WR-KR Micheal Spurlock was on the bubble entering training camp, but he now has the potential to play a dynamic role in the offense this season after leading all Chargers receivers in preseason with 10 receptions for 135 yards.
Spurlock (5th year, free agent Buccaneers) has a career 25.1-yard kickoff return average. He has three returns for scores -- two kickoffs and a punt. Coach Norv Turner, however, hasn't revealed who will handle returns this season. WR-KR Richard Goodman had a 105-yard kick return for a TD vs. the Raiders in the final game of last season. Goodman played in every game in 2011 and ranked fourth in the NFL with a 27.5-yard kickoff return average.
Defining Spurlock’s role before the season is difficult. Malcom Floyd and Robert Meachem are the starting wide receivers and Eddie Royal will play the slot. Nevertheless, coach Norv Turner’s offense is designed to spread the ball around and Spurlock will get his touches.
“[Spurlock] is a smart guy that can move around to a bunch of different positions,” QB Philip Rivers said. “He is another veteran who has played a lot of ball, and when called upon we have a lot of confidence in him.”
Meachem added: “He’s like a gadget. When something is loose, you put Spurlock in and he will fix it. He’s the guy who can play every position. At times during this game guys are going to go down. When you have a guy like Spurlock who can go in and play any position, it’s like there is no drop off.”
Injuries in preseason are what led to an opportunity for Spurlock. Meachem and Royal are now healthy but missed significant time, and Vincent Brown broke an ankle in the second preseason game against Dallas.
“There were a couple of guys who ended up getting hurt and I just tried to take advantage of it,” Spurlock said. “Wherever they can use me and I can play it doesn’t matter. I just want to be a part of it and help this team win.”
Even without a defined role, Spurlock points to the Chargers' dynamic offense as reassurance he will receive opportunities.
“In most offenses you pretty much know when the ball is snapped where the ball is going,” Spurlock said. “There are no dummy routes [here]. Every route is alive in the play. As a receiver you might not touch it through the first three quarters, but in the fourth quarter you may get it a lot. I [have to] stay alive each play because the ball could be coming.”
Spurlock also pointed out that opposing defenses will likely key into the other receivers plus TE Antonio Gates and RB Ryan Mathews and this may leave him in man coverage. “[Our] weapons are unlimited,” Spurlock said. “If you have a one-on-one matchup you have to win.”
Regardless of how many touches he ultimately receives this season, Spurlock is happy to be with the Chargers. “I am very excited about it,” Spurlock said. “I am very much looking forward to the opportunity.”
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