SAN DIEGO -- San Diego Chargers wide receiver Stevie Johnson will miss the season with a knee injury, coach Mike McCoy confirmed Thursday.
Johnson hurt his right knee during the second practice of training camp while getting up to run downfield after making a diving catch. The nine-year pro underwent surgery Tuesday and was told Wednesday that his season was done.
"It's an unfortunate situation," McCoy said after practice. "I had a great conversation with Stevie last night and for what happened, he had a great mindset."
Johnson, who's often used as a slot receiver, missed six games last year with hamstring and groin issues. He had 45 catches for three touchdowns and 497 yards.
"It's too bad," Chargers wide receiver Keenan Allen said. "But we have some other guys that can fill in."
The Chargers signed free agent James Jones, formerly of the Green Bay Packers, after Johnson's injury. Backup Tyrell Williams is having a stellar camp and could see increased playing time in Johnson's absence.
Johnson "said to me it's an opportunity for somebody to step up," McCoy said. "That's dead-on, right there. That was the message he wanted to relay to the team. That, and he is going to miss playing with us."
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