The Los Angeles Chargers could be forced to dig a little deeper into their wide receiver room Sunday against the Las Vegas Raiders. That could mean a bigger opportunity for rookie Brenen Thompson and his ridiculous speed.
Ladd McConkey is questionable, while KeAndre Lambert-Smith is already on injured reserve. During his Friday news conference, head coach Jim Harbaugh was asked whether those injuries could lead to more Thompson.
“Yeah, I think you will,” Harbaugh said.
Brenen Thompson could get his chance
Speed is the first thing that jumps off the page with Thompson.
He ran a 4.26-second 40-yard dash, a number that even led Harbaugh to joke about his own playing days. Harbaugh said he could fathom running a 4.62, but “not a 4.26.”
Of course, NFL rosters are full of guys who can run. Harbaugh seems more interested in everything Thompson does before that speed takes over.
He praised the rookie’s football knowledge, focus and ability to quickly understand his assignment once the play begins.
“The way he’s able to focus, the way his mind is able to sequence what he’s supposed to do when he’s supposed to do it and do it fast,” Harbaugh said.
That’s what could get Thompson on the field Sunday.
Harbaugh called the matchup a “great opportunity” for him, and the Chargers suddenly have snaps available for somebody to grab.
