Los Angeles Chargers

Backup receiver pulls a Richard Sherman to help DB-needy Chargers

Published Dec. 30, 2015 9:09 p.m. ET

foxsports

The Chargers anticipated a larger role for Dontrelle Inman when other receivers fell to injury.

That role probably didn't include snaps at safety -- until the team lost so many defensive backs that Inman had to play coverage in overtime last Thursday night.

Inman, via Chargers.com: “The last time I played defense was high school in a game. When guys go down, someone needs to step up. They said, ‘We need somebody.’ And I said, ‘I’m ready to go. Just let me know what you need me to do.’”

The Chargers desperately needed Inman against the Raiders. It lost three defensive backs -- Jason Verrett (hamstring), Eric Weddle (groin), and Darrell Stuckey (knee) in regulation.

They were out of fresh bodies when Patrick Robinson (undisclosed) exited in quarter five. Inman immediately offered to channel his inner Richard Sherman.

“You kind of know the concepts as a receiver,” he said. “You’re doing the concepts. It’s kind of like (how) Richard Sherman is so good at playing cornerback because he played receiver for so long. So you kind of know what’s going on.”