Micheal

Spurlock

Stroughter injured his left foot on a kickoff return Sunday. Look for Preston Parker and Micheal Spurlock to fill in as depth at receiver and kick returners for the next month or so.

The 29-year-old Spurlock holds a career punt return average of 8.1 and averages 25.1 yards on kickoff returns. Almost strictly a special teamer, Spurlock will compete with Roscoe Parrish and Richard Goodman for one or two roster spots, depending on how many receivers San Diego keeps on its 53-man roster.

Da’Quan Bowers will replace Bennett as Tampa’s starting left end. Otherwise, this is a mostly healthy roster without injury excuses.

Spurlock had been operating as Jacksonville’s No. 3 receiver with Laurent Robinson out for the season. Coach Mike Mularkey singled him out for missing a hot adjustment that resulted in a sack. It was Spurlock’s reminder that NFL stands for “not for long.” Jordan Shipley appears to be the leading candidate for the third receiver role.

RB Curtis Brinkley was waived in a corresponding move. A return specialist, Spurlock made 14 catches for 121 yards in six games with the Jags. He shouldn’t crack the Chargers’ muddled receiver rotation.

The Chargers needed to clear out a roster spot so they could stash K Nate Kaeding (groin). Chris Carr will support Richard Goodman and Eddie Royal in the return game.

Spurlock adds depth at wideout with Laurent Robinson coming off his third concussion since training camp. Davis has been promoted from the Jags’ practice squad.

Spurlock can help the Lions’ thin receiving corps in a pinch, but he’s best known as a kick returner. He holds career averages of 24.7 yards per kickoff return and 9.9 yards per punt return.

Spurlock is a return specialist that had 14 catches all season coming into this one. But he was able to get open on some quick outs and slants with Eddie Royal sidelined and caught all seven of the balls that came his way. Don’t expect a repeat performance from the fill-in slot receiver against the Panthers in Week 15.

Royal was limited to individual work during Wednesday’s practice and is targeting a Week 16 return. The Chargers are likely fine with that after Michael Spurlock excelled out of the slot in last week’s stunning win at Pittsburgh, racking up a 7/64/0 line on seven targets.