The Los Angeles Chargers will open the season without one of their best defensive starters.
Middle linebacker Denzel Perryman is expected to be out until midseason after sustaining a torn ankle ligament in the preseason opener, NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported, via a source informed of the situation.
Perryman underwent surgery Tuesday and is set to miss 8-10 weeks, Rapoport reported.
A strong candidate for injured reserve/designated for return, the third-year linebacker was sporting crutches and a walking boot after getting carted off the field Sunday night.
A , Perryman was slated to call the signals for Gus Bradley's defense this season. He led the team last year with 80 tackles despite missing four games.
Fortunately, the Bolts have a reliable insurance policy in Korey Toomer. Signed off the Raiders' practice squad late last September, Toomer exceeded expectations as a fill-in starter when Perryman and Jatavis Brown missed time. He ended up recording 69 tackles (nine for loss), three forced fumbles and a sack in 13 games.
Similar to wide receiver ' , the Chargers have the quality depth at the position to withstand an early-season absence.
