Jeff Cumberland knew it.
Sharp pain shot to his left Achilles’ heel when attempting to chase down a Kellen Clemens pass in the end zone. The Chargers’ athletic trainers jogged to him, heard him describe what was consistent with a serious injury. They helped him to the sideline where Cumberland then stood.
One minute. Two minutes.
A staff member brought him a white chair on which to sit.
Three minutes. Four. Five.
All there was left to do was wait for the motorized cart.
Cumberland, the veteran tight end who impressed Chargers coaches with his speed in training camp, suffered an ominous, non-contact injury Friday evening in the second quarter of a 19-3 exhibition win over the Cardinals.