Chargers linebacker Melvin Ingram suffers torn knee ligament

San Diego Chargers outside linebacker Melvin Ingram, the team’s first-round draft pick in 2012, suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee during organized team activies Tuesday, the team announced.

That means Ingram’s second season in the NFL will likely be spent recovering from the injury.

Ingram started twice and appeared in all 16 games for the Chargers his rookie season, recording 41 tackles, five defensed passes, one sack and a forced fumble.

Ingram was expected to start for the Chargers this season.

“We talk about it all the time as a staff: the best coverage is a good pass rush,” Coach Mike McCoy said of Ingram on Monday, according to U-T San Diego. “When you have someone like that coming off the edge, his ability to get to the passer, that’s key for our system and our success. There are some very good quarterbacks we play against, and we have to get pressure on them.”

Now, new General Manager Tom Telesco and McCoy will have find a way to substitute the production of their young linebacker and improve on the Chargers’ 7-9 record from last season if the team hopes to reach the postseason.

The Chargers have not made the playoffs since the 2009 season.

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