If Malcom Floyd Returns, Chargers Still Need Depth at Wide Receiver

Sep 15, 2013; Philadelphia, PA, USA; San Diego Chargers wide receiver Malcom Floyd (80) carries the ball during the second quarter against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. The Chargers defeated the Eagles 33-30. Mandatory Credit: Howard Smith-USA TODAY Sports

Malcom Floyd’s return is still in limbo, but we do know that Floyd will get out on the field for the offseason training plan and will test out his injury on the field. He wants to get on the field to help the young team make a push toward the playoffs. If Floyd were healthy and ready to play in the coming season, he would be a huge addition to the offense. Floyd and Philip Rivers have played together for a long time and they have a great chemistry working together.

Adding Floyd back onto the roster would give Philip Rivers another option in the passing game and could open up the field again for Keenan Allen. Allen did well in his first season in the league and the expectations for him are very high, but teams made sure to slide extra coverage in his direction toward the end of last season. The Chargers will need to get better balance in the passing game and will need to find other options to throw the ball to. Floyd would be a perfect option for the team to toss the ball to.

Eddie Royal showed that he was a reliable option in the slot on offense. The biggest question marks with Royal and Floyd will be their health. Floyd will be coming back from a neck injury and his durability had always been a concern for his career. Royal couldn’t get on the field for practice in the final few weeks of last season because of an injury and you could see the disconnect from Philip and Royal from time to time during that stretch. He has had some durability concerns in the past as well.

Even if Floyd makes a return, the Chargers still should explore the different options at wide receiver in the draft. Having Floyd back on the field could just give the team more flexibility in the receiver they want to take, but the depth after the first 3 needs to be strengthened.

After Eddie Royal on the depth chart are Vincent Brown and Seyi Ajirotutu. We can hope that Brown is able to break out, but he has been in the league for 3 seasons now and we are still waiting. How long do we wait? He started 10 games last season and only finished with 472 yards receiving. He will be fighting to keep a job during training camp.

Ajirotutu seems to have better footing on the roster right now. Tutu is an option that can be used on offense and he is a special teams star.