Chargers CB Jason Verrett likely out for year with partially torn ACL

The San Diego Chargers have lost one key player each week of the 2016 season. The Bolts could now be without their best corner going forward.

According to San Diego Union-Tribune’s Michael Gehlken, Chargers CB Jason Verrett has a partially torn ACL.

Chargers CB Jason Verrett has a partial ACL tear.

— Michael Gehlken (@sdutGehlken) October 5, 2016

As of now, there are no exact details on his timetable or how it happened, but Gehlken reported that Verrett will likely undergo surgery, which will end his season.

Chargers CB Jason Verrett said he expects to undergo surgery on partially torn ACL. "My season is done with."

— Michael Gehlken (@sdutGehlken) October 5, 2016

Seriously, give us a break. The Chargers cannot, and I repeat CANNOT, afford to lose Verrett. According to Gehlken, the Chargers re-signed cornerback Steve Williams and waived nose tackle Ryan Carrethers for insurance.

The Chargers have been annoyingly plagued by injuries. They already lost star WR Keenan Allen (torn ACL) in Week 1, elite third-down specialist Danny Woodhead (torn ACL) in Week 2 and defensive captain Manti Te’o (torn Achilles) in Week 3.

Casey Hayward, who is having a great start to the season (leading the team with three interceptions), will now be the No. 1 corner, and Brandon Flowers will be the team’s No. 2. Unfortunately, Flowers, who’s had his ups and downs so far, missed last Sunday’s game against the New Orleans Saints due to a concussion. He is not practicing today.

What started off as one of the deeper positions on the roster–just like the wide receiver corps–is now somewhat depleted. Craig Mager, who had his first career interception on Sunday, and waiver-wire pickup Pierre Desir, the tallest corner on the team at 6-foot-2, will see plenty of snaps against the 3-1 Oakland Raiders in Week 5.

But you just can’t replace Verrett’s production. Verrett, who made the Pro Bowl in 2015, was on the verge of becoming one of the top corners in the game. Aside from allowing the Colts’ T.Y. Hilton to go off, Verrett has done a great job this season, shutting down opposing team’s top receivers. The Chargers rank 27th in passing defense through four games, but that ranking is a bit deceiving.

Losing Verrett for the year would be detrimental, but it is noteworthy that, like Allen, Verrett has yet to play a full 16-game season. Health has not been on both of these stars’ side.