Bolts WRs Ajirotutu, Inman get chance
Saturday night is a long time coming.
The top three wide receivers on the Chargers depth chart have totaled 170 receptions for 2,149 yards and 15 touchdowns this year. They’ve shared a field on most downs, handling a combined 2,302 offensive snaps.
Two other wideouts are on the team.
On Saturday night, it’s their turn.
Wide receiver Keenan Allen will not face the 49ers in Santa Clara, recovering from an ankle injury and broken collarbone. Seyi Ajirotutu and Dontrelle Inman figure to see more run on offense in his place.
How much activity, of course, remains to be seen.
The team could choose to go with more multiple tight-end groupings, particularly if Ladarius Green (ankle, concussion) is active. He’s listed as questionable to face San Francisco.
But Ajirotutu and Inman are preparing for a larger role.
Inman, a former CFL standout, has played seven offensive snaps this season and been inactive most weeks. A reception Saturday would be the first of his career but hardly the first of the year. He’s caught hundreds after practice since the spring, working with wide receiver Eddie Royal. Often, they are the last ones on the field.
“It’s the ultimate goal to play,” Inman said. “The preparation going in has been big. I’ve been waiting for this for a long time.”
Ajirotutu has been more busy on game days.
He has three catches for 46 yards this year, the bulk of his productivity coming as a gunner. His 15 special-teams tackles are tied for second most in the NFL.
Ajirotutu, 27, has filled in offensively for the Chargers over the years. The situation usually comes at moment’s notice, such as last year in Kansas City when he replaced an injured Royal in the fourth quarter and caught the winning touchdown in the final minute.
“There is a story behind everything,” said Ajirotutu, who is in a contract year and became a father of twin girls last month. “Fifth year, Week 16, I’m finally getting the opportunity to go in there and show what I have. I don’t take that lightly. … I’ve been working hard. I’ve just been relishing a type of moment like this. I want to go out and show what I’ve worked so hard for.”
