The injuries keep piling up for the San Diego Chargers, almost in unbelievable fashion. Running back Dexter McCluster, who was only signed after Danny Woodhead was lost for the season, will miss the rest of the year as well after a freak accident at home.
As reported by Michael Gehlken of the San Diego Union-Tribune, McCluster suffered a broken forearm in an incident in which he was moving luggage. Really, you can’t make this stuff up.
McCluster has played in six games for the Chargers. He hasn’t contributed in the run game, but he has caught seven passes on the year. The area where he’ll most be missed is the return game, where he’s been used as a punt and kick returner for the team.
McCluster also loses the chance to face his former team on Sunday, the Tennessee Titans.
Dexter McCluster placed on IR after fracturing forearm at home. Literally, tells ya everything you need to know about this #Chargers season.
— Annie Heilbrunn (@annieheilbrunn) November 5, 2016
McCluster becomes the 17th Charger to be placed on IR this season alone. It leaves Melvin Gordon, Kenneth Farrow and Derek Watt as the only healthy running backs on the roster. Most likely, the Chargers will have to look on the street for another running back, much in the way they did with McCluster.
In addition to moving McCluster to injured reserve on Saturday, the Chargers also promoted both Isaiah Burse and inside linebacker Deon King from the practice squad. Offensive lineman Tyreek Burwell was released to make room on the roster.
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Burse has been on and off the active roster more than once this season, and he will likely be the player pressed into action to handle return duties. That’s something Burse has done before in his career, including during his time with the Denver Broncos.
Deon King played at Norfolk State and came to the NFL as an undrafted player, signing with the Dallas Cowboys this spring. He was part of the team’s final roster cuts and was signed by the Chargers in October.
King was given the Buck Buchanan Award following his senior season, given to the top defensive player in FCS. Previous winners of that award include Dexter Coakley, Rashean Mathis, Jared Allen and current Chargers linebacker Kyle Emanuel.