Chargers Defensive Tackle Exits

The Los Angeles Chargers are in the late stages of a tough showdown with the Atlanta Falcons in Week 9, and they might have to do without one of their veterans along the defensive line. Tackle Austin Johnson exited with a knee injury and was declared questionable to return.

injury update: Austin Johnson (knee) is questionable to return.

— Los Angeles Chargers (@chargers) November 6, 2022

Johnson was helped off the field by the training staff and then carted off to the locker room for further evaluation. Despite the questionable tag, he appears unlikely to return.

Johnson has started all of the Chargers' eight games this year, notching one sack and 19 total tackles. He joined the team on a two-year, $14 million deal this offseason after two years with the New York Giants. He has earned a passable 64.9 overall grade from Pro Football Focus through seven games despite the struggles of the Chargers' 31st-ranked scoring defense.

Johnson initially entered the league as the Tennesse Titans' 43rd overall pick in the 2016 NFL Draft. He appeared in 58 games for the team, earning 13 starts.

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