SAN DIEGO -- In the end, Johnnie Troutman ran out of time.
The San Diego Chargers announced on Tuesday that the team placed Troutman on the season-ending injured reserve. Troutman suffered a broken forearm on Aug. 13, and had not been cleared by doctors to return to the field.
Troutman remained hopeful that he could return to the field next week. However, with five offensive linemen suffering injuries during last week’s loss against the Minnesota Vikings, the Chargers needed room to add depth up front.
Troutman, 27, started 15 games at right guard for San Diego last season. A fifth-round selection in the 2012 draft out of Penn State, Troutman started 25 of 30 games played over the 2013 and 2014 seasons.
The Chargers also waived tight end Kyle Miller.
Miller appeared in two games during the regular season, and made his first start last week in Minnesota. Miller also appeared in a season-opening win against the Detroit Lions. He was waived prior to the team's Week 2 game at Cincinnati and re-signed late last week.
The Chargers now have two open spots on the 53-man roster. Possible moves include elevating an offensive lineman from the practice squad, including Michael Ola, Tyreek Burwell or Craig Watts.
San Diego also could elevate cornerback Greg Ducre from the practice squad to the active roster in order to improve depth at that position, with Jason Verrett (foot), Brandon Flowers (knee) and Craig Mager (hamstring) all dealing with injuries.
