The Los Angeles Chargers opened their season with a major win over Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs in Brazil, but the celebration didn’t last long. Just a day later, troubling news hit the locker room.
Veteran linebacker Denzel Perryman, who left Sunday’s game early, has been diagnosed with a high ankle sprain. NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported that Perryman will be sidelined for multiple weeks, with the recovery window typically ranging from four to six.
Perryman injury puts Los Angeles defense in tough spot
It’s a blow for a Chargers defense that leaned on Perryman’s physicality and experience in the middle of the field. Now in his second stint with Los Angeles, Perryman had been counted on to anchor the front seven alongside Joey Bosa and Khalil Mack.
The injury also comes at a rough time. The Chargers host the Las Vegas Raiders on Monday Night Football in Week 2, followed by a brutal stretch against the Bills and Steelers. Losing Perryman for any length of time leaves the defense thin against both the run and short passing game.
MORE: Jacksonville Jaguars trade running back Tank Bigsby following Week 1 win
Perryman, who previously played with the Raiders and Texans before rejoining L.A., logged 55 tackles and a sack last season. His absence now forces defensive coordinator Jesse Minter to lean on younger linebackers who haven’t seen much starting action.
Los Angeles may have pulled off one of Week 1’s biggest wins, but the cost could be felt for weeks to come.
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