SAN DIEGO (AP) Versatile running back Danny Woodhead went on season-ending injured reserve Monday with a torn ACL in his right knee, the second San Diego Chargers playmaker to be lost in as many weeks.
Woodhead was hurt when he was tackled after a catch in the first quarter of a 38-14 victory against Jacksonville on Sunday.
Woodhead also missed most of the 2014 season with a broken ankle.
Coach Mike McCoy said the loss of Woodhead is similar to the loss of wide receiver Keenan Allen to the same injury a week earlier in a season-opening loss at Kansas City.
“There’s not another Danny Woodhead out there, with what he does in all aspects of the game, not only on the field but off the field, the type of person he is,” McCoy said. “This is another tough one.
“He does everything the way you want it to be done and he is even a better person,” McCoy said. “It is a shame that this happened.
“But I’ll promise you one thing Danny will be back, stronger than ever. That’s why he’s been so successful in this business. He always has that chip on his shoulder. He comes to work every day and treats it as his last day. He is a great example of what it means to be a pro.”
Woodhead led the Chargers last season with 80 catches for 755 yards and six scores, while rushing for 336 yards and three scores.
Also Monday, safety Jahleel Addae was undergoing surgery for a broken left collarbone.
Woodhead was replaced on the active roster by former Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Griff Whalen.
The Chargers (1-1) play Sunday at Indianapolis (0-2).
San Diego has won only five of its past 19 games, two of those wins coming against hapless Jacksonville.
Photo credit – Dennis Poroy / Associated Press / San Diego, CA
