The Facts: Brown underwent surgery Sunday morning to repair a broken left ankle, suffered in the third quarter against the Cowboys. He is expected to miss about eight weeks and return in time for the second half of the season. According to San Diego Union-Tribune staffer David Gehlken, the Chargers plan to bite the numbers bullet, keeping Brown aboard the 53-man roster and likely carrying an extra wide receiver as Brown returns to health.

Diehards Line:If there was a silver lining to Brown's case, it was that his injury, as with running back Ryan Mathews' broken clavicle the week prior, took place in the preseason and not midseason. The Chargers believe a good portion of Brown's campaign can still be salvaged. There also only minor ligament damage to Brown's ankle, a source told Gehlken Sunday. In the meantime, the team will likely keep at least six wide receivers on its final roster. Malcom Floyd, Robert Meachem, Eddie Royal and Brown are considered locks. Micheal Spurlock is expected to make the roster, too, with Richard Goodman, Roscoe Parrish and the undrafted rookie class also in the mix. Floyd, Meachem and Royal will be the three counted on to cover for Brown's absence.