Chargers linebacker Denzel Perryman will miss at least the first four games of the regular season after suffering an ankle injury in Sunday’s preseason game, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (Twitter link), who adds Perryman may require surgery.
Although initial reports indicated Perryman could miss only four weeks (starting today), an MRI apparently showed a more severe injury and led to a longer timeline. If Perryman does indeed miss the first four weeks of the 2017, he’ll be absent for contests against the Broncos, Dolphins, Chiefs, and Eagles.
Perryman has been no stranger to injuries throughout his two-year career, as pectoral, shoulder, hamstring, and knee issues have sidelined him since he entered the league as a second-round draft pick in 2015. He’s been relatively effective when on the field, however, especially against the run. Last year, the 23-year-old Perryman started 11 games and played on 45% of the Chargers’ defensive snaps, racking up 71 tackles, two sacks, and grading as the league’s No. 43 linebacker in the process, per Pro Football Focus.
Los Angeles has the depth to withstand a Perryman absence, especially given that he was only expected to be a two-down player thanks to his lack of coverage abilities. Joshua Perry, a fourth-round choice in 2016, should take over as the Chargers’ middle linebacker in base packages, while outside ‘backers Jatavis Brown and Korey Toomer will stay on the field in nickel situations.
It’s always something with this team. Good thing Jatavis is a stud.