From CFL to NFL: Dontrelle Inman is seeing more time for the Chargers. (Getty)
The Chargers are in a pickle.
Phillp Rivers is trying to lead the league’s best passing attack, but his receivers can’t seem to stay on the field. Keenan Allen is on already on injured reserve, and backups Stevie Johnson and Malcolm Floyd have each missed time. Johnson missed two weeks in October with a hamstring injury, and now Malcolm Floyd was forced out of Monday Night Football with a shoulder injury.
If the Chargers want to fight their way out of the AFC West basement, they’ll need a bigger contribution from Dontrelle Inman.
Inman hasn’t gotten much play this season, especially in fantasy. But the second-year player from Virginia is seeing increased time on the field, and it’s only a matter of time before Phillip Rivers is forced to look his way.
If a Chargers receiver is on the field, it’s not hard to accumulate targets. Phillip Rivers leads all quarterbacks in passing attempts and passing yards, and earlier this season was on pace to break the single-season yards record. Chargers coach Mike McCoy got passing success from Kyle Orton and Tim Tebow, so it’s safe to say the man knows his way around an offense.
So far this year Inman hasn’t factored much, catching nine of his 18 targets for 142 yards all season. However if he’s forced to play because of injuries, he’s bound to see at least five targets each game. Since Keenan Allen’s departure, Rivers has been forced to share the wealth.
It’s only a matter of time before Inman becomes a playmaker in San Diego. Inman spent two seasons playing Canadian football, and won a Grey Cup in 2012 as a member of the Toronto Argonauts. He’s proven in spurts that he can be a solid target, but has yet to contribute for a full 60 minutes.
Malcolm Floyd is 34. Stevie Johnson is 29. With both battling injuries, it’s put-up or shutup time for 26-year old Inman. He could end up being a huge pickup down the stretch, and has big-play potential next week against the Chiefs. If you’re hurting at the position, he’s definitely worth a roster spot.
