The snake-bitten Chargers' injury misery has followed the team into the preseason.
Third-year linebacker Denzel Perryman hobbled off the field in the first quarter Sunday against the Seahawks in Los Angeles' preseason debut at StubHub Center. He was then carted off to the locker room per NFL Network's Alex Flanagan.
The Chargers later announced that Perryman would not return with an ankle injury. He was back on the sidelines in the second half with crutches and a walking boot on his left foot.
The former second-round pick led the Chargers last season with 80 tackles despite only playing in 12 games. Perryman can deliver a heat-seeking blow to opposing ball carriers, but is well-renowned for his smarts as well. He was slated to call the defense as the MIKE in the Bolts' defense, Flanagan also noted.
With Manti Te'o leaving this offseason for the Saints, the Chargers don't have much depth at middle linebacker. An extended absence for Perryman would be a major blow to a defense brimming with talent.
The Chargers have suffered a few major injuries already, specifically to their first two picks in the 2017 NFL Draft. Wideout Mike Williams is recovering from a herniated disc, while offensive lineman Forrest Lamp's rookie campaign never lifted off the ground after he tore his ACL.
