SAN DIEGO – After suffering a significant hip injury earlier this season, San Diego Chargers defensive lineman Darius Philon was a long shot to make it back this season.
But the University of Arkansas product was placed on the injured reserve, designated to return by the Chargers on Oct. 17.
Determined to get back on the field, Philon was diligent in his treatment and rehabilitation. He missed seven games, but the result was his healthy return to the field in Week 14.
He had a sack in his first game back against the Kansas City Chiefs on Dec. 13, although it was negated due to a defensive holding penalty.
“What he’s been through and what he’s done is awesome,” Chargers defensive coordinator John Pagano said after Philon’s first game back from the injury. “To come out there on the field and do that -- that’s what it’s all about.”
Looking for a one-gap penetrator to be a disruptive force in the interior of the defensive line, the Chargers selected Philon in the sixth round of this year’s draft.
In seven games Philon has not put up jaw-dropping numbers, with four combined tackles -- including a tackle for loss -- three quarterback hits and a pass blocked.
However, he has averaged 21 defensive snaps a contest since his return from the injury, showing steady progress that should lead to continued improvement in his second season.
Philon is one of several young players the Chargers will get a close look at in the team’s final game of the season against the Denver Broncos, using the contest against a playoff contender as an evaluation tool for next season.
Others include safety Adrian Philips, cornerbacks Craig Mager and Greg Ducre, nose tackle Damion Square and receivers Javontee Herndon and Tyrell Williams.
“The one thing about him is he’s got his strength back,” Pagano said about Philon. “He’s big. He’s physical. He can create speed to power, as you saw in the sack that he had a couple games ago, which was unfortunately taken away from him.
“It’s a great accomplishment. It shows his work ethic. It would have been nice to have him for all 16 games.”
Now that he’s back, Philon wants to finish the season strong and build on this year’s performance for next season.
“I’m blessed and happy to be back out there with the guys,” Philon said. “I’ve been working on all my fundamentals and techniques in the game, just basically trying to become a better player in the NFL as a young guy.
“It’s very important for me to be out there. It just shows that I have a lot of work to do. I’ve got to go out with these guys, and learn from the older guys every day.”