Quentin

Jammer

He suffered the injury late Thursday and missed Friday’s practice. The Chargers could not afford to lose him.

Financial terms haven’t been disclosed. Jammer, who is usually San Diego’s answer for opposing No. 1 receivers, set career highs for tackles (72) and passes defensed (17) in 2005. The former No. 5 pick was previously under contract through ’07.

It’s a head-scratcher. While cornerback is a premium position, Jammer hasn’t been a standout since he was taken fifth overall and still had two years left on his contract. San Diego has plenty of cap room and prefers to use it now.

Jammer went down in the first half and was replaced by Marcus Gilchrist. The fact that Jammer was ruled out so quickly hints at a Grade 2 tear at least.

Johnson led the way with 10 targets and spent most of the day going head-to-head with Quentin Jammer. His longest play was a 53-yard catch-and-run over the middle where he showed good physicality. Over the last three weeks, Johnson is averaging 5.6 catches for 81.0 yards with two touchdowns. He next faces a Miami secondary that held him to two catches for 16 yards in Week 11.

He returned to the game during overtime and hopefully this isn’t related to the hamstring injury that he suffered in Week 3. Antoine Cason, who was recently benched for rookie Marcus Gilchrist, replaced him and the dropoff is significant. The Chargers get the Packers in Week 9, and they’ll need all the help they can get against Aaron Rodgers and Co.

Jammer is coming off career-lows in interceptions and pass deflections, but is firmly entrenched as San Diego’s starting left corner. Antoine Cason is set to start opposite Jammer, with Marcus Gilchrist working at the nickel/slot position at OTAs. Entering a contract year, Jammer will need to prove he’s committed to football if he hopes to reestablish his value on the open market.

It’s unknown if Jammer will suit up in Sunday’s game against the Titans, but it wouldn’t be the first time a corner has played through a broken hand. It’s possible Jammer will end up a game-time decision. Jammer’s most likely fill-in Shareece Wright suffered an ankle injury against Oakland. His Week 2 availability is unknown. Coming off an up-and-down game against the Patriots, Titans QB Jake Locker could be in for a very favorable matchup Sunday.

It’s becoming almost standard for defensive backs to play with broken hands. Jammer had surgery on Tuesday, but is fully expected to wear a cast and suit up. The Chargers are desperate as No. 3 corner Shareece Wright sustained a potentially serious ankle injury in Week 1.