Aug 7, 2025; El Segundo, CA, USA; Los Angeles Chargers linebacker Denzel Perryman (6) during training camp at The Bolt. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Chargers' massive Week 1 victory over Chiefs came at a cost that Los Angeles will feel for weeks to come

Originally posted on A to Z Sports | By Adam Holt | Last updated Sep 8, 2025 7:59 PM ET

Wins in the NFL always come at some sort of cost. For the Los Angeles Chargers, they have been on cloud nine since Friday evening - for good reason. They took care of business against a Super Bowl contender in the rival Kansas City Chiefs.

The defense made timely stops, and the Chargers offense was unstoppable at times through the air. For LA, they will now be without a veteran presence on their defensive unit under Jim Harbaugh and his staff for a bit, though.

Denzel Perryman dealing with high-ankle sprain after win vs. Chiefs

Veteran linebacker Denzel Perryman has been diagnosed with a high-ankle sprain that he suffered versus Kansas City, via Ian Rapoport. He is now considered week-to-week. Often, this sort of injury carries a multi-week timetable, possibly up to over a month.

#Chargers veteran LB Denzel Perryman, who was knocked out of the win in Brazil over the #Chiefs, was diagnosed with a high-ankle sprain, source says.

Perryman is considered week-to-week and he will miss some time. Generally, high-ankle sprains can take 4-6 weeks to heal. pic.twitter.com/bIAWNn67mG
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 8, 2025

This is a notable loss for LA, a defense built on veteran contributors at its core. For the linebacker room, Daiyan Henley has emerged as one of the top players at his position in football. He plays with a ton of energy and always seems to be in the right spot in the biggest moments for the Bolts.

Regardless though, the loss of Perryman for at least a few weeks (seemingly) will take a bit of a toll. Troy Dye is expected to slide into a starting role at inside linebacker. While he is an impressive athlete, there is a lack of experience in comparison to Perryman. Although, it will give Dye some valuable reps with the first-team in case any more injuries occur later in the season.

Hopefully for the Chargers, Perryman can return at full strength sooner than later from this ankle sprain. They are a more cohesive unit when he's in the mix, and any coach for the Bolts defense would agree with that premise.

The Chargers take on the Raiders in Week 2. Los Angeles is riding high after a huge divisional win, but they need to stack them to kick off this season.

This article first appeared on A to Z Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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