Chargers’ Forrest Lamp out for the season with broken fibula

The Chargers’ patched-up offensive line took another hit when Forrest Lamp was diagnosed with a broken right fibula, ending his season.

He was injured Sunday in the team’s 23-20 loss at Tennessee. Lamp was making his second career start, playing left guard after Mike Pouncey was lost for the season because of a neck injury.

“Tough break for him,” coach Anthony Lynn said. “He worked his tail off to get back. It’s just unfortunate.”

Lamp, a second-round draft pick in 2017, missed most of his first two seasons because of a knee injury that required two surgical procedures.

He played sparingly until Pouncey was injured in Week 5 against Denver. Starting left guard Dan Feeney replaced Pouncey at center and Lamp moved into Feeney’s spot.

Chargers

Chargers’ identity crisis on defense rooted in depth issues caused by injuries

Untested players have struggled to be effective in big defensive roles for the Chargers in the wake of injuries to prominent players.

Oct. 20, 2019

“He’s down right now,” Lynn said. “He hasn’t played in three years. He’s been hurt. And this is a guy who was never hurt before until he got to the National Football League. He’s dealing with that now. He’ll bounce back.”

Scott Quessenberry, a second-year player out of UCLA, finished the game Sunday at center after Lamp went down. Feeney returned to left guard.

Lynn said veteran Ryan Groy, who was signed Oct. 9, is another option to start at center or guard this weekend when the Chargers play at Chicago.

The Chargers also have been without left tackle Russell Okung for their first seven games. He suffered a pulmonary embolism in June.

1/13

Chargers running back Melvin Gordon can only watch as Tennessee Titans defensive end Jurrell Casey collects his fumble to seal the victory for the Titans.  (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)

2/13

Chargers wide receiver Keenan Allen nearly makes a leaping, one-handed catch during the first half against the Titans.  (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)

3/13

Chargers running back Melvin Gordon fumbles the ball before quickly recovering during a first-half carry.  (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)

4/13

Chargers running back Melvin Gordon fumbles the ball near the goal line with seconds left in the game.  (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)

5/13

Tennessee Titans defensive end Jurrell Casey recovers a fumble by Chargers running back Melvin Gordon at the goal line to secure the Titans’ 23-20 victory.  (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)

6/13

Tennessee Titans quarterback Ryan Tannehill scrambles for a first down during a fourth quarter touchdown drive against the Chargers.  (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)

7/13

Tennessee Titans running back Derrick Henry breaks past Chargers defenders for a touchdown run in the fourth quarter.  (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)

8/13

Chargers running back Austin Ekeler catches a touchdown pass in front of Tennessee Titans strong safety Kenny Vaccaro during the fourth quarter.  (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)

9/13

Tennessee Titans wide receiver Corey Davis sprints past Chargers cornerback Casey Hayward for a first down during the fourth quarter.  (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)

10/13

Chargers running back Melvin Gordon celebrates with teammates after they thought he scored a touchdown in the final minute against the Tennessee Titans. The touchdown was later nullified on review.  (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)

11/13

Chargers offensive coordinator Ken Whisenhunt talks to quarterback Philip Rivers in the final seconds of the game.  (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)

12/13

Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers talks with running back Melvin Gordon after they fail to connect on a pass near the goal line during the first half against the Titans.  (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)

13/13

Chargers running back Melvin Gordon leaves the field after fumbling at the goal line to seal the team’s 23-20 loss to the Tennessee Titans.  (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)

Okung returned to practice last week and is eligible to be activated from the nonfootball illness list. He could play Sunday against the Bears.

Etc.

Lynn said defensive end Melvin Ingram (hamstring) is close to returning. The Chargers are hopeful he can play Sunday. ... Michael Badgley (groin) wasn’t activated against the Titans because Lynn was concerned about him being able to kick off. With punter Ty Long still nursing a sore plant leg, the Chargers need their kicker to also handle kickoffs. That’s why rookie Chase McLaughlin kept the job for another week.