Chargers lose Johnnie Troutman for year
The Chargers will replace one starter Sunday on their offensive line.
There is chance of a second one, too.
Right guard Johnnie Troutman was placed Monday on season-ending injured reserve. Center Chris Watt also could be unavailable, his status uncertain for when the Chargers face the Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium with a playoff berth on the line. Both were injured against the 49ers last Saturday and did not return.
The Troutman injury is a first this year.
San Diego has had to adjust its starting offensive line with four different centers in the lineup. But for all that movement, the same four men have started at the other line positions with King Dunlap at left tackle, Chad Rinehart at left guard, Troutman at right guard and D.J. Fluker at right tackle.
Troutman becomes the first non-center to miss a game.
He injured his knee during the third quarter of a 38-35 win. Sources said that the ailment is not considered overly significant and that he is not believed to need surgery. Given the recovery timetable, though, it was unfeasible to keep him active at this late stage in the year.
Jeremiah Sirles made his NFL debut Saturday.
A first career start could be next.
The undrafted rookie tackle stepped in for Troutman and was awarded a game ball following the overtime win in Santa Clara. A former Nebraska offensive tackle, he is regarded for his versatility, able to play anywhere but center on the line.
As for Watt, his status is something that may be monitored throughout the week.
The rookie third-round pick exited the first quarter with an ankle injury, later being carted off the sideline and into the locker room. He continues to be evaluated. If out, Trevor Robinson would be the second Chargers offensive lineman to make his first career start Sunday. He’d also be the fifth center for the club in 2014.
Robinson played all but the first nine of the game’s offensive snaps last weekend.
The stakes are high Sunday, but if indeed Sirles and Robinson both start, the Chargers have confidence in both given how they’ve performed since joining the team. Sirles was signed shortly after the draft, Trevor midseason off the Bengals practice squad.
If Chargers win in Kansas City, they’ll qualify for the playoffs. A loss would end their season.
They’ll hold their first practice of the week on Tuesday with an old face on the field. Guard-tackle Kenny Wiggins was re-signed Monday to replace Troutman on the roster. Wiggins spent last season divided between the practice squad and 53-man roster before staying with the team through the preseason.
