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According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Jason Verrett will be undergoing season-ending knee surgery.
Big blow to LA defense: Chargers CB Jason Verrett has decided to undergo season-ending knee surgery, per source. Will go on IR.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 23, 2017
Injuries have been an issue with Verrett for his entire career. In four seasons with Los Angeles, he has only played 25 games. That’s an average of just over six games per season.
When the 2017 season comes to an end, Verrett will have played just five games in the past two years.
A 2014 first-round pick, Verrett looked to be the answer at cornerback for the Chargers. He had a strong campaign in 2015, but since then the injuries have taken their toll on the former Pro Bowler.
The Chargers picked up Verrett’s fifth-year option before the season, but it doesn’t seem likely he will sign a long-term deal to stay with Los Angeles. As talented as he may be, he isn’t a reliable player.
According to Michael David Smith of Pro Football Talk, Verrett will be paid $8.5 million next year if he cannot pass a physical due if his knee hasn’t healed.
Down a top-tier cornerback, the Chargers secondary should be able to handle Verrett’s absence. Casey Hayward will remain the top corner, but the duo of Trevor Williams and Desmond King will likely line up on the other side.
Williams is in his second year with the Bolts and has played extremely well so far this season. The same can be said for King, who will be thrown into the fire against a talented Kansas City offense on Sunday.
This injury is a big blow to the Chargers defense. However, it was one Los Angeles prepared for by drafting King in the fifth round. Verrett’s absence will be felt, but knowing his history, it was an injury many expected to happen.