Los Angeles Chargers safety Adrian Phillips will be lost for a “significant amount of time” and put on injured reserve with a broken right forearm, coach Anthony Lynn said Monday.
Phillips suffered the injury while attempting to tackle Detroit running back Kerryon Johnson during the fourth quarter of Sunday’s 13-10 road loss. Phillips moved into the starting spot after Derwin James had surgery for a stress fracture in his right foot midway through training camp.
Lynn said Phillips could return later in the season, although the player will miss at least eight weeks while on IR.
Phillips, who is in his sixth year, has 13 tackles through the first two games. He was an All-Pro selection last year for special teams after leading the league with 19 tackles.
“AP’s like a coach on the field,” Lynn said. “His versatility is huge.”
The Chargers (1-1) will host the Houston Texans (1-1) on Sunday.