The "Designated to Return" label can only be used on one player per season, so the Chargers won't be able to use the exemption for the remainder of 2014. Ingram suffered a hip injury in last weeks game against the Seahawks. Since 2012, the rule allows a player to return to action instead of missing the entire season as with a non-Designated to Return labeled IR. By the rule, Ingram cannot practice for at least 6-weeks.
This is really disappointing for me as it looked like the combination of Ingram and Dwight Freeney at OLB was causing problems for opposing offenses. Jarret Johnson, who missed the Seattle game because his wife was giving birth, will be back at outside linebacker and rookie Jerry Attaochu will see action as a designated pass rusher. I like Attaochu, he was all over the field in Week 1 against Arizona, but as a rookie he's not an every down player yet. Attaochu is listed as questionable for Sunday. Johnson is in his 12th season (first 9 with Baltimore) the last 3 as the Chargers starting OLB, but isn't the pass rusher that Ingram is. Chargers could also use Tourek Williams, who started last season when Freeney and Ingram were out.
Ingram's speed helped contain Russell Wilson (18 yard rushing) and the Chargers face another mobile QB this week in the Bills' EJ Manual. Johnson is tough against the run, but doesn't have the foot speed to run QB's like Wilson and Manual down from behind like Ingram can. Attaochu has the tools, but don't know how much he will play.
Some good news for the Chargers...Brandon Flowers, who missed the Seattle game with a groin injury, says he's comfortable running at full speed and cutting, so he should play against the Bills. It will be interesting to see if Flowers or rookie Jason Verrett is on Sammy Watkins. Mel Kiper Jr.'s rookie rankings has Watkins #1 and Verrett #2.
The Chargers can beat anyone if the offense keeps the ball in their hands. That's the key to every Chargers game. Although Ingram's absence will be missed, Donald Brown's performance in place of Ryan Mathews will make more of an impact. If Brown can replace Mathew's production the offense has a good chance of dominating time of possession. If they do that, the Chargers win Sunday over the Bills.
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