Chargers lose DT Mebane for season with torn biceps injury

SAN DIEGO - The San Diego Chargers suffered yet another debilitating injury to an impact player on Sunday, with defensive tackle Brandon Mebane suffering a torn biceps injury that will end his season.

The Chargers signed Mebane to a three-year, $13.5 million deal during the offseason after he spent his first nine seasons with the Seattle Seahawks. The 31-year-old Mebane was voted a defensive co-captain in his first year with the Chargers.

The run-stuffing nose tackle served as an important addition for San Diego, improving the defense's ability to stop the run. Mebane registered 21 combined tackles, a sack and an interception and played 327 snaps through 10 games.

The Chargers are holding teams to 87.4 rushing yards per game, No. 6 in the league. Last season, the Chargers allowed nearly 5 yards a carry, second worst in the NFL. This year, San Diego has allowed 3.9 yards per rush, tied for No. 9.

With Mebane out, the Chargers likely will turn to backupDamion Square to fill the void, and could look to promote Ryan Carrethers from the practice squad to the active roster.

Mebane joins a long list of impact players San Diego has lost for the season, including Stevie Johnson, Keenan Allen, Danny Woodhead, Branden Oliver, Manti Te'o and Jason Verrett.

According to ESPN Stats & Information, the Chargers have placed 20 players on injured reserve this season. Only the Seahawks have placed more (21).