Chargers LB Denzel Perryman (ankle) could miss 2 months

COSTA MESA — Chargers linebacker Denzel Perryman could be out for at least two months after undergoing ankle surgery on Tuesday.

A former second-round pick who was slated to start at middle linebacker, Perryman injured his left ankle during Sunday’s preseason loss to the Seahawks at StubHub Center. He limped off the field near the end of Seattle’s first drive, and was later carted to the locker room. Perryman eventually returned to the sideline with crutches and a walking boot.

“His spirits are good,” Coach Anthony Ly said. “Denzel, he was looking to step up as a leader, and he did. He was one of our leaders on the team, and he still will be.

“He’ll be around. He’ll be in the meetings. He’ll be at practice. He just won’t be on the field.”

Perryman will likely be replaced by either Nick Dzubnar — a Mission Viejo High graduate who made the team as an undrafted free agent in 2015 — or Korey Toomer, a former fifth-round pick. Both linebackers got reps with the first-team defense on Tuesday.

The injury represents only the latest health-related blow for the Chargers, who ended last season with more than 20 players on injured reserve.

Defensive end Jerry Attaochu also exited Sunday’s game with a hamstring injury, and is week-to-week in his recovery timetable.

Second-round pick Forrest Lamp, who was competing to start at right guard, tore his ACL during the first week training camp. Receiver Mike Williams, drafted No. 7 overall, has been sidelined for most of the offseason with a disc herniation in his lower back. The former Clemson star has been ruing on the field, but is still at least three weeks away from practicing with his teammates.

“It’s always a concern when you lose a player, especially a starter,” Ly added. “But it’s football. You’re going to have injuries.”