Melvin Ingram injury: Chargers pass rusher out with torn ACL

There are a few caveats, however. Freeney will be playing mostly outside linebacker in the Chargers’ 3-4 defense, not the 4-3 defensive end position in which he has thrived for most of his career. He struggled when asked to stand up from the line of scrimmage, recording just five sacks last season. Hopefully, Freeney will not still be dealing with a high ankle sprain. The Chargers are expected to run multiple fronts, allowing the veteran pass rusher to put his hand down on occasion.

• Chargers sign Dwight Freeney

Given the fact that it’s a torn ACL, the Chargers will not have Ingram back for most, if not all of the 2013-14 season. That’s a big blow to San Diego, given that the team was expecting Ingram to take the next step in his development and be the team’s primary pass rusher next season.

As you can see over at Bolts From The Blue, losing Ingram is a big deal:

Ingram suffered the knee injury during workouts on Tuesday. He will receive other opinions on the injury, according to Michael Gehlken of U-T San Diego, but a torn ACL is reportedly a possibility. If a torn ACL is confirmed, the injury would be a big blow to the Chargers’ defense in the coming season. Ingram worked his way into the lineup last year, but was expected to be a significant contributor and possible starter this season.

The 2012 first-round pick started two games last season, finishing the campaign with 41 tackles and a sack. He was penciled into one of the starting linebacker spots this season as San Diego remakes its defense. Ingram will undergo further tests to confirm the severity of the injury.