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This is a massive blow for the San Diego Chargers. According to Ian Rapoport of NFL.com, defensive tackle Brandon Mebane will miss the rest of the season with torn biceps.
Another major injury for the #Chargers: Sources say DL Brandon Mebane tore his biceps and is out for the season
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) November 14, 2016
Mebane signed a three-year $13.5 million contract with the Chargers this past offseason and was looked upon to be the big run stopper up the middle. At 31, Mebane is a veteran who has been around winning teams. The pairing of him, Joey Bosa and Corey Liuget has been successful so far this season and this loss is going to devastate the Chargers defense.
Mebane is going to end his season with 21 combined tackles, 1 sack, and an interception. Mebane’s importance doesn’t always show up on the stat sheet and major challenges await the Chargers in the wake of his absence. This team better be ready to stop the run.
Looking at the roster as it stands now, there is no true backup to Mebane. There are rotational guys like Tenny Palepoi and Damion Square, but neither of them can make the impact that Mebane had. Ryan Carrethers is sitting on the practice squad at the moment, so the Chargers also have him as an option.
After a tough loss to the Miami Dolphins on Sunday, this is not the news the Chargers wanted to hear. Especially as they head into their bye week, a time for the team to heal and rest up.