The San Diego Chargers -- more than any team in the AFC West -- can't afford another injury at wide receiver, especially after Saturday.
The Chargers announced that wide receiver Eddie Royal suffered a bruised lung and a concussion during practice. Royal left the field in an ambulance after falling hard to the ground while trying to make a catch during an 11-on-11 drill, Michael Gehlken of U-T San Diego reported.
"He was about 10 feet in the air," Chargers safety Eric Weddle told Tom Krasovic of U-T San Diego. "He just fell straight down on his back."
Royal initially got to his feet and made his way to the trainer's room before stopping and going to the ground. Trainers treated Royal with an oxygen tank as Chargers coach Mike McCoy, general manager Tom Telesco and teammates gathered around him. After an ambulance and two fire trucks arrived, Royal was loaded onto a gurney and carted away before practice resumed.
McCoy told reporters that Royal was having trouble breathing and will be hospitalized for examination. Royal's teammates hoped for the best.
"When a guy gets carried off in an ambulance, you just want him to be healthy, be OK, all football aside," quarterback Philip Rivers said. "And hopefully that's the report we'll get back soon on Eddie."
Royal's injury comes on the heels of Malcom Floydsuffering a knee injury that is expected to keep him out until at least Week 1. The team also lost Danario Alexanderto an ACL tear before placing him on waivers.
The news is no better on defense, where Chargers cornerback Steve Williams is expected to miss his entire rookie season with a torn pectoral muscle suffered in Thursday's preseason loss to the Chicago Bears, Gehlken reported.
The Around The League Podcast is now available on iTunes! Click here to listen and subscribe.
