SAN DIEGO -- Just two days into training camp and the San Diego Chargers, one of the most injury-plagued teams from a season ago, could be dealing with a significant injury to a key playmaker.
Receiver Stevie Johnson injured his right knee when making a diving catch and had to be helped off of the field to the training room at Chargers Park.
Chargers head coach Mike McCoy said he didn’t know the extent of Johnson’s injury, but would provide an update on Monday.
“We sent him in for a test on his knee,” McCoy said. “I don’t have any update from practice. When he went down there, he caught the ball and got up and then he felt something in his knee. So we’ll get that checked out and we’ll have more information for you tomorrow.”
Johnson said one of his goals for this year was staying healthy. Johnson missed six games because of hamstring and groin injuries in 2015. He finished with 45 receptions for 497 yards and three touchdowns. Johnson hasn’t played a full, 16-game season since 2012.
Mike Bercovici, Adrian Phillips shine: Competing for the third spot in the quarterback room, Mike Bercovici continues to throw the ball well early on in camp. The Arizona State product found Torrence Allen for a nice gain in 7-on-7 drills and also connected with tight end Tim Semisch on another chunk play. Bercovici has a live arm and throws with anticipation.
Safety Adrian Phillips also continues to play well. After corralling an interception on the first day of training camp, Phillips followed that up with a pass deflection and almost got his second pick of training camp.
Reserve quarterback Zach Mettenberger also threw a nice deep ball, hitting Travis Benjamin in stride down the middle of the field with Craig Mager in close coverage.
First day in full pads Monday: After two days of practice, the Chargers will practice in full pads for the first time on Monday. McCoy is looking forward to finding out how physical his team plays. “This is what it’s all about,” McCoy said. “This is what training camp is for. We’re going to be in pads often, and it’s going to be a grind from here on out with the pads on.”
Injury update: Along with Johnson, outside linebacker Ben Gardener, receiver Javontee Herndon and linebacker Denzel Perryman did not finish practice on Sunday. Chris Watt (knee) remains on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list. The Chargers also made a couple of roster moves, signing DT Bruce Gaston and CB Carrington Byndom. To make room on the 90-man roster, San Diego waived injured DT Carlos Wray and CB Terrell Chestnut.
