When the Chargers snatched veteran tailback Michael Bennett on waivers last November, the thinking was that the Bolts were trying to keep Bennett away from a Broncos team that was light on healthy tailbacks.
Since arriving in San Diego, Bennett has played in zero regular-season games. (He did play in the postseason.)
But that could be changing on Sunday against the Ravens, given the fact that LaDainian Tomlinson is wearing something on his right ankle other than a fancy bracelet. (He moved the bracelet to his left ankle.)
“People haven’t really seen me play enough for a while,” Bennett said Wednesday, per Kevin Acee of the San Diego Union-Tribune. “I’m excited to go out and play if given the chance.”
The once-blazingly fast Bennett, a first-round pick in 2001, had a huge second season in Minnesota, gaining nearly 1,300 yards on the ground. But a treadmill-induced stress fracture during the 2003 offseason derailed his career, and he hasn’t rushed for more than 500 yards in a season since.
The potential absence of L.T. also could mean a much greater role in the offense for Darren Sproles, which could limit his work as the kickoff or punt returner.