Chargers Place Denzel Perryman on IR in Annual Late-Summer Tradition

Denzel Perryman is heading to injured reserve, which is basically an annual late-summer tradition for the Los Angeles Chargers at this point. Tom Pelissero reported Tuesday that the veteran linebacker will miss at least the next four games.

The Chargers brought the 33-year-old back on a one-year deal worth nearly $2.8 million, fully knowing the durability risks. Now, before the regular season even hits its stride, they are already digging into the depth chart to replace their primary run-stuffer.

"Tom Pelissero reported that the veteran LB is out at least four games."

Relying on Perryman to play a full season is like expecting a paper straw to survive a large iced coffee. He has missed at least five games in four consecutive seasons. Last year alone, he sat out five weeks with an ankle injury and caught a two-game suspension just to keep things interesting, finishing with 47 tackles in 10 appearances.

For anyone looking at the Chargers' defensive props or weekly spreads, this is a massive red flag for their run defense. Without Perryman clogging up the middle, opposing offenses are going to test Los Angeles on the ground early and often. The burden now falls on Troy Dye, who managed 58 tackles last year, and second-year man Daiyan Henley to keep the second level from collapsing.

Perryman will not be eligible to return until at least a Week 5 divisional clash against the Denver Broncos on October 11. Until then, the Chargers have to hope their patchwork linebacker room can hold up, or it is going to be a very long month for Jim Harbaugh and his defensive staff.