Chargers rookie JT Woods learning on the job with help from teammates
COSTA MESA — JT Woods played in the Chargers’ season-opening victory over the Las Vegas Raiders on Sept. 11, then he sat out their loss in Week 2 against the Kansas City Chiefs before returning to the field for a loss in Week 3 to the Jacksonville Jaguars, then he sat out for the next four games.
When he returned to the lineup for the Chargers’ Week 9 victory over the Atlanta Falcons, he stayed there. He played limited roles in the past two games, losses to the San Francisco 49ers and the Chiefs, but he might get a chance to start against the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday.
Woods, a rookie safety from Baylor, might get the starting assignment if Nasir Adderley can’t play because of a thumb injury suffered in the Chargers’ 30-27 loss to the Chiefs last weekend. Woods is one of several players who could fill in for Adderley if Adderley can’t play against Arizona.
It would be another teachable moment for Woods, the Chargers’ third-round draft pick earlier this year. Woods has been learning on the fly since the opening day of training camp back in July, with veteran defensive backs such as Adderley, Alohi Gilman and Derwin James Jr. as his mentors.
Woods credited his teammates for their guidance.
“They’ve been putting their hands on me, teaching me and bringing me up,” Woods said. “Whatever the game-time decision is going to be, I’m ready for whatever role they (the coaching staff) have me in. I’m in a new defense. I’m in the NFL playing against bigger and faster people. Now I have to act like I’m a part of that. Definitely, my confidence is the biggest thing that’s grown in these past 10 games.”
Woods referred to James as his “big brother.” The Chargers drafted Woods to play the deeper role in the secondary, allowing James to play in all manner of different roles – from safety to edge rusher to slot cornerback. The learning curve was steep at first, but Woods has made strides recently.
“The way you are going to learn as a player is by being out there,” Chargers coach Brandon Staley said. “They (rookies) may experience some tough downs, but the progress that they make by being in the NFL game is more important than just practicing. We felt like he was in a good spot two weeks ago to start working him into the rotation. That’s what we’re going to continue to do, find the right places to do that. He’s making good progress and we have to continue to keep working with him.”
KELLEY UPDATE
Backup running back Joshua Kelley ditched the really big knee brace he wore during practice Wednesday in favor of a smaller, lighter one by the time he hit the field to practice with his teammates on Friday. If all goes well, he’s expected to be activated from injured reserve and to play Sunday.
He would give the Chargers added depth behind starter Austin Ekeler and another possible target for quarterback Justin Herbert. Ekeler leads all running backs in the NFL with 69 receptions and is second with 437 yards receiving. Ekeler also is the Chargers’ leading rusher with 534 yards.
“He’s just an energetic guy and he brings the juice,” Herbert said of Kelley. “He’s such a great locker room teammate. To have a guy like that out there, he’s a huge addition to our offense. He’s able to run the ball, catch the ball, and so he adds a whole lot to our offense.”
Asked if he’s seen Kelley in a bad mood, Herbert smiled.
“It doesn’t exist with Josh,” Herbert said. “He’s always in a good mood. I respect that so much about him because there is so much going on in the world. To have an attitude that he does, it’s really tough to beat. … That is what is so special about him. He’s such a great guy, such a great teammate and everyone he comes in contact with is going to have a better day because of him.”
INJURY REPORT
Adderley was listed as doubtful to play Sunday against the Cardinals, and cornerback Michael Davis was listed as questionable because of a knee injury sustained during practice Thursday. Wide receiver Mike Williams was ruled out after he aggravated his sprained ankle while making a catch last Sunday.
Wide receiver Keenan Allen (hamstring), cornerback Bryce Callahan (groin), tight end Gerald Everett (groin), linebacker Kenneth Murray Jr. (neck), right tackle Trey Pipkins III (knee), left tackle Jamaree Salyer (knee) and punter PK Scott (quadriceps) were cleared to play Sunday.