In just three regular season games, the Chargers have already lost three key players for the rest of the 2016 campaign.
The latest casualty is middle linebacker Manti Te’o. The Chargers captain tore his Achillies on a non-contact play in the first quarter of Sunday’s loss in Indianapolis.
“Everything happens for a reason,” Te’o said following San Diego’s 26-22 loss to the Colts. “I live by a quote that says, ‘God puts mountains in front of you to show other people that it can be moved,’ and my faith is strong. I know that I will be alright."
Te'o is the Chargers' leading tackler and is in the final year of his rookie contract. He has rounded into form the past couple of years as the defensive play caller.
“It was a big year for me, and I worked extremely hard and there is nothing that you can do now," said Te'o. "Just look forward, move forward and keep going.”
In week one, top receiver Keenan Allen tore his ACL in a heartbreaking loss to the Chiefs.
And in week two against Jacksonville, running back Danny Woodhead also tore his ACL and was ruled out for the rest of the season.
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Slot receiver Stevie Johnson was lost for the year during the team’s first weekend of training camp and safety Jahleel Addae broke his collarbone on a late play against the Jaguars.
That’s five projected starters that are not suiting up for the Bolts and Addae is the only one that has a chance to play again later this year.
Chargers coach Mike McCoy was visibly disappointed when acknowledging Te’o would be out for the rest of the 2016 campaign.
“It’s another one of those guys that you feel for,” said McCoy. “The way he’s worked, what he’s done, what he means to our organization. It’s a shame.”
Te’o was a decorated college athlete at Notre Dame and finished as the Heisman Trophy runner-up to Johnny Manziel in 2012.
The Chargers drafted him with the 38th overall pick that year, moving up in the second round to select Te’o.
Hopefully this eerie string of injuries ends now and does not continue into week four.
Former Chargers starting quarterback Drew Brees makes his return to Qualcomm Stadium with the Saints this week for the first time since switching franchises in 2006.
New Orleans and San Diego will kick-off at 1:25 p.m. this Sunday.
