On a conference call with Chargers season-ticket holders Wednesday, general manager Tom Telesco called running back Danny Woodhead both a “dynamic runner in space” and an “underrated” pass blocker.
The takeaway? The Chargers seem likely to get Woodhead involved in the offense, and potentially in a variety of ways.
“We were looking to add playmakers on offense, and he’s one of those guys that when the ball gets in his hands, he’s got some magic to him,” Telesco said. “So he’s going to be a fun player to watch during the season.”
Telesco said the club would “probably have some packages and plays that are specifically for” the former Patriots back.
According to Pro Football Focus, Woodhead averaged 401.7 snaps the last three regular seasons in the Patriots’ backfield rotation. He figures as a primary backup to Ryan Mathews, who has missed time in each of his first three NFL seasons because of injuries, and he broke both clavicles in 2012.
In March, Mathews told NFL Network he had to “stop taking so many hits” in an effort to decrease the risk of injury, suggesting he had to do a better job of avoid some collisions.
On Wednesday, Telesco said Mathews, a former Pro Bowler, is at full strength after the injuries of a season ago.
“He’s healthy right now, and we’re expecting big things from him this year,” Telesco said.