Chargers News: With Stevie Johnson Injury, Bolts Sign James Jones
The San Diego Chargers have started out their annual training camp with an injury. Wide receiver Steven Johnson went down with a knee injury that will require surgery. It is possible he can return late in the season but that is pretty much up in the air at this point. The Chargers needed a wide receiver and were looking at a number of options.
The Bolts worked out Brian Hartline, James Jones and Lance Moore Tuesday morning in hopes of finding a suitable replacement for Stevie Johnson. The loss of Johnson is big, but because it happened so early in camp the Chargers actually had some decent options to choose from in rounding out their roster. James Jones was selected as he has typically shown the ability to get open and make a catch in a big moment. In his nine year career he has caught 433 balls for 5,861 yards and 51 touchdowns.
The #Chargers are signing WR James Jones, source said. Another veteran weapon for Philip Rivers
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) August 2, 2016
James Jones spent last season with the Green Bay Packers, after spending the 2014 season with the Oakland Raiders. He caught 50 balls last year for 890 yards and eight touchdowns. The 31-year-old had spent eight seasons prior to last year with the Packers and was one of Aaron Rodgers favorite targets over the years. Jones was signed last season after Jordy Nelson went down with a knee injury for the Packers. He ended up playing in 16 games last year (starting 15) and performed well.
The Chargers must have depth this season. Last year the team was decimated by injuries. The NFL is a brutal league and injuries will happen to every team. It is all about the next man up in this league and the Chargers depth will be the key to a productive season. James Jones adds depth.
Chargers to work out WRs Lance Moore, James Jones and Brian Hartline today, sources say: https://t.co/BDlmCnR16Bpic.twitter.com/wcDlAKJ4KO
— Michael Gehlken (@sdutGehlken) August 2, 2016
Philip Rivers will enjoy having Jones as he seemingly is in the right place at the right time. He is not fast by any stretch of the imagination but he runs great routes and has exceptional hands. The Chargers will not skip a beat in losing Johnson at this point. With Travis Benjamin, Antonio Gates and Keenan Allen on the offense, Jones will be an afterthought on the defense. He could be poised for a great year and could easily outperform the numbers he put up last season in Green Bay.
Chargers camp is in full effect and the season is just right around the corner. Let us hope the team does not suffer too many more of these injuries. Let us also hope that Chargers first round pick and starting defender Joey Bosa signs his contract and gets his butt to camp soon. His teammates are already starting to speak up. Things will escalate very quickly from here if he does not show the will to want to be in camp. He is missing vital snaps and things are not looking good at the moment.
James was born and raised in America’s Finest City. He is a passionate baseball fan with even more passion towards his hometown Padres. Editor-In-Chief of EastVillageTimes.com. Always striving to bring you the highest quality in San Diego Sports News. Original content, with original ideas, that’s our motto. Enjoy.