Chargers receiver Johnson out for ’16 with knee injury

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.

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.

Schaub shines in Atlanta return

Making a successful return to his first NFL home, Matt Schaub passed for 179 yards, leading three scoring drives, and Atlanta beat visiting Washington 23-17.

Schaub, who was the Texans’ starter from 200713, began his career with the Falcons as Michael Vick’s backup from 200406 and will likely be Matt Ryan’s top backup this season.

In other preseason games:

• Cam Newton directed a 68-yard drive in his only series, then stepped aside as Carolina lost to host Baltimore 22-19.

Brady sits out preseason opener

Quarterback Tom Brady was excused from the Patriots’ preseason opener against the Saints to attend the memorial services of a family member.

Brady has been suspended by the league for the first four games of the regular season for his role the “Deflategate” case. Brady is eligible to participate in all of the Patriots’ preseason games.

Odds and ends

Bills safety Aaron Williams and wide receiver Dez Lewis were injured Thursday night following a hard collision at the team’s practice. Williams is being treated for a “suspected concussion,” the team said. There was no update on Lewis. … Jets defensive end Muhammad Wilkerson sat out the team’s preseason opener against the Jaguars, two days after being activated from the physically unable to perform list.