Chargers DT Austin Johnson out for season with knee injury

One of the Chargers’ most underrated defenders will miss the remainder of the season.

Defensive tackle Austin Johnson has an MCL injury and fractured knee, per Brandon Staley. The injury cuts short what had been a stellar campaign for Johnson, who was playing like Los Angeles’ best run defender up the middle.

With Johnson likely heading to IR, look for Otito Ogbonnia and Christian Covington to split his starting role. Ogbonnia played 46% of snaps Sunday against Atlanta, while Covington played 39%. Both saw larger roles with Jerry Tillery out, and Tillery is a candidate to receive more snaps when he returns from his own back injury.

Johnson’s injury may also open a path for preseason favorite Breiden Fehoko to garner an active roster spot after being waived in favor of Covington between Weeks 1 and 2.

The 28-year-old was tied for the team lead in run stops with 14 but led the team in run stop percentage at 11.4%. His average depth of tackle was 2.7 yards. Ogbonnia has stopped the run at a 5.1% clip with an average depth of 4.1 yards, while Covington stops 6.3% of plays with an average depth of 3.6 yards.