Woodhead's Season Over After Injury

Chargers running back put on IR after breaking his fibula in Sunday's win.

Once again, an impressive Chargers win was marred by the loss of a top running back.

Danny Woodhead will require surgery and is out for the season after he broke his fibula in Sunday's 22-10 win over the Buffalo Bills.

The team put him on Injured Reserve earlier today.

"He means a lot to this organization," Chargers coach Mike McCoy said. "His love for the game, the way he plays, his love for his teammates, the way he practices, he’s a great guy to be around. … He’s a true professional."

This comes just a week after starting running back Ryan Mathews sprained his MCL, putting him on the shelf for at least a month.

Woodhead was injured on his first run of the game. He had just 15 carries for 38 yards and five catches for 34 yards so far this season.

McCoy said Woodhead's value came even more as a person than a player.

β€œHis flexibility and his leadership. He does so much,” McCoy said. β€œIt’s not just on the field. It’s off the field, the way he prepares. The way he shows the younger guys.”

The injury reduces a once-robust backfield to limited options. Donald Brown led the way on Sunday, carrying the ball a career-high 31 times but only picking up 62 yards. He also had five catches for 27 yards.

Undrafted rookie Branden Oliver also saw time in his NFL debut, carrying the ball three times for 11 yards.

Expect the Chargers to sign a veteran free agent running back in the near future. LaMichael James and BenJarvis Green-Ellis have been mentioned as potential replacements.

β€œWe’re looking at that right now,” McCoy said. β€œ(GM) Tom (Telesco) and I, we’re going to make a couple decisions on the roster.”

Sixth-round pick Marion Grice could also see some time in the backfield.

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