Chargers HC Anthony Lynn hoping Verrett ready for training camp

The Los Angeles Chargers lost cornerback Jason Verrett to injury last season. Will the Pro Bowl corner be ready for training camp?

The Chargers boast one of the best cornerback tandems in the NFL with Jason Verrett and Casey Hayward–or they would have if Verrett can stay on the field.

Unfortunately, that’s been a problem, as Verrett has failed to stay healthy. He has yet to play a full, 16-game season, missing 24 total games in a three-year span. Last year, a partially torn ACL kept him from playing in all but four games.

Verrett hasn’t faced any setbacks in his recovery. Will he be ready for training camp in July? New Chargers head coach Anthony Lynn hopes so.

“It’s kind of wait-and-see, but yes, I’d love to have him back for training camp,” Lynn said, via ESPN’s Eric Williams.

According to Lynn, Verrett hasn’t been cleared to participate in team drills during mandatory minicamp. He has, however, been doing one-on-ones in individual workouts.

The Chargers exercised Verrett’s fifth-year option in the offseason. Verrett, who was the No. 25 overall selection in the 2014 NFL Draft, was originally projected by scouts to be a slot corner because of his small stature.

Through three seasons, the physical Verrett has 19 pass deflections, five interceptions and one defensive touchdown while earning the label of “shutdown corner.” He was a Pro Bowl selection in 2015.

The Chargers struck gold when they signed Hayward to a three-year deal last offseason, as he led the league with seven interceptions and earned his first Pro Bowl selection, but the Chargers need Verrett back healthy in order for the secondary to thrive. Second-year pro Trovon Reed played well in limited time last season, and 2017 fifth-round pick Desmond King has big potential, but both are unproven commodities.

Just imagine the damage the Chargers could do on defense with one of the best pass-rushing and cornerback duos on the field for a full season.