Chargers place Johnnie Troutman on injured reserve
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}December 20, 2014; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Diego Chargers guard Johnnie Troutman (63) before the game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium. The Chargers defeated the 49ers 38-35. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
The Chargers hoped Johnnie Troutman could return in time to help on their injury-ravaged line.
Those hopes were dashed this week when the seasoned guard landed on season-ending injured reserve.
Troutman remained optimistic right up until the team's decision on Tuesday. He told U-T San Diego's Michael Gehlken he would "definitely" suit up in 2015 after breaking his arm in preseason play.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}But the Chargers couldn't afford to stash Troutman any longer. They needed his roster spot for more immediate offensive line relief and were forced to end his season.