Chargers Rookie Corner Jason Verrett Placed On IR

The San Diego Chargers took a big blow to their defense and secondary with the loss of Jason Verrett. Verrett has been struggling with a shoulder injury all season and he will undergo surgery on his torn labrum. Verrett had a big play to win the season’s earlier matchup with the Oakland Raiders so it is ironic that he will not be available for this week’s game.

Verrett had 18 tackles and 1 interception on 4 passes defended. He was the sidekick to Brandon Flowers on the other side of the field and created a dynamic duo for the secondary. Weddle, Gilchrist, Verrett, and Flowers were lethal when on the field together and it is a shame that group is now over. Verrett was a guy working hard on the defense when a lot of players were taking plays off.

With the loss of Verrett, the entire seconday has to step up. Flowers will need to become a true shutdown corner to help his teammates on the other side of the field. The guys that will replace Verrett are Shareece Wright and Richard George. Wright will start in the seconday but it will take a few unknowns behind George to step up in depth.

To get to the playoffs, the Chargers secondary has to beat many great offenses. These teams they will play are led by Tom Brady, Peyton Manning, Joe Flacco, and Colin Kapernick. It will be very interesting to see where this defense can ascend to against elite offenses. Verrett had an impact in tackles and morale for that defense which will be missed. If they come together and play smart football then maybe the defense has a shot.