21.
In this case, it’s not Hall of Fame running back LaDainian Tomlinson’s retired number. It’s the amount of players the Chargers placed on injured reserve last season. That infamous number led the league.
But these players weren’t just role players, they were impact players. Within the first five weeks of the NFL, the Chargers had lost top receiver Keenan Allen, third-down specialist Danny Woodhead, starting linebacker Manti Te’o and shutdown corner Jason Verrett.
Absurd, man. Not only that, but several other starters we’re banged up and missed time throughout the season. I got nervous every time a Charger made a cut or got tackled, which isn’t normal.