SAN DIEGO, CA – DECEMBER 06: Cornerback Jason Verrett #22 of the San Diego Chargers celebrates after intercepting a pass in the third quarter against the Denver Broncos at Qualcomm Stadium on December 6, 2015 in San Diego, California. The Broncos won 17-3. (Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images)
The Chargers are having one of the worst preseasons in the NFL. The team believes Jason Verrett may have torn his Achilles during a conditioning test today.
The Los Angeles Chargers might want to consider skipping training camp and the preseason. The team already lost Hunter Henry to a season-ending torn ACL during minicamp, and now Chargers officials believe Jason Verrett may miss the 2018 campaign with a torn Achilles.
Losing two starters before the first preseason game would be a serious blow to any franchise. It’s particularly damaging to a team like the Chargers. They are blessed with a great deal of top-end talent but this isn’t the deepest roster in the NFL.
The organization won’t know the true severity of Verrett’s injury until the results of the MRI come back. Suffice it to say, things don’t look good. The fact that Chargers officials have allowed this information to hit the public consciousness makes it clear they believe Verrett is done for the year.
Assuming Verrett’s injury is as bad a the team fears, expect to see a lot more of Desmond King and Trevor Williams on the field. King has the talent to emerge as a solid starter, but he hasn’t put it all together in the NFL as of yet. Williams deserves credit for making the team, but doesn’t project to be much more than an adequate backup at cornerback.
It’s also possible the Chargers might dip into free agency to find a suitable replacement. Bashaud Breeland is one name that could certainly be of interest. There are serious questions about his health, but he’s making the rounds with several interested teams this week. Don’t be surprised to see the Chargers get a visit.
Injuries are a part of football, but they aren’t typically a significant part of preseason conditioning tests. Unfortunately Verrett has emerged as the exception to that rule. His loss will be a brutal blow to the Chargers defense.