Cromartie eyes returner's role

By: JAY PARIS - Staff Writer | Saturday, November 25, 2006 12:28 AM PST ∞

San Diego Charger Antonio Cromartie
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SAN DIEGO ---- Antonio Cromartie's pleas have fallen mostly on deaf ears. "He's been begging Marty (Schottenheimer) to get his chance,'' Michael Turner said. "He'll be fine.''

Turner's hamstring, isn't. That's why Cromartie might stare into Sunday afternoon's sky and return kicks against the Oakland Raiders.

"Don't give him a crack,'' Turner warned, "because he will take it all the way.''

Schottenheimer's way has been to stick with Turner. The backup running back has produced a 25.8-yard average, putting him in the top 10 among returns.

But there's no denying Cromartie's athletic skills would seemingly translate into healthy returns as well.

He averaged 23.7 and 22.9 yards as a returner for two years at Florida State. In three cameo NFL shots, he has averaged 19.3 yards.

Since training camp, Cromartie has pestered Schottenheimer for a chance on kickoffs. The Chargers' coach made a deal that Cromartie could field returns more regularly if he blocked a field goal or forced a fumble on special teams.

Cromartie has yet to do that, but Turner's barking hamstring could put Cromartie in the role he has sought.

"Just catch it and run,'' said Cromartie, the team's nickel defensive back. "I know what I'm suppose to do: just follow my blockers.''

To a degree.

"It's all about ball security,'' Schottenheimer said.

Everyone is secure about Cromartie's speed. He has proved it on special teams and when chasing pass-catchers. He can flat fly.

"I'm very, very excited,'' said Cromartie, a member of Florida State's Atlantic Coast Conference championship track team running sprints and hurdles. "I can't wait to get back there and show people what I can do.''

It's what Luis Castillo can't do that has him down again Sunday. The team's top defensive end is skipping his third straight game with a high ankle sprain.

Jacques Cesaire replaces him.

The news is more encouraging on linebacker Shaun Phillips and his ailing calf.

Phillips worked for the first time this week on Friday and is set for Sunday.

"Just being smart about,'' said Phillips, who has eight sacks, including two against the Raiders in the opener. "There is no sense aggravating it on Wednesday or Thursday. It's a muscle and muscles take time to heal. It will be all right, we're just being smart about the situation.''

Phillips missed two games after straining the calf on Oct. 22. His availability Sunday is critical with Castillo (five sacks) and a suspended Shawne Merriman (8 1/2 sacks) idle.

But the Bolts second and third lines have been true this year. Phillips is a perfect example. He played behind Steve Foley before Foley was lost for the season after being shot three times.

"Everybody on our team prepares to be starter every day, whether you are a backup or a starter,'' Phillips said. "You have to do that in this league because you never know. It only takes one play and you will be in there.''

It appears wide receiver Vincent Jackson will start in place of Keenan McCardell. Jackson, who caught the go-ahead touchdown pass Sunday in a victory over Denver, likely will go with the first unit. McCardell (calf) was limited in his work on Friday and could sit Sunday.

Cromartie, though, can't sit still in anticipation. He was bouncing around the locker room, wearing a smile that said the kick-return spotlight was close to finding him.

"He's been waiting to get in there and get a chance,'' Turner said. "He will be fine.''

CHARGERS NOTES ---- With backup RB Michael Turner's status uncertain, Andrew Pinnock could be activated on Sunday. .... The Raiders' game is the last one LB Shawne Merriman must skip for his steroids suspension. .... Raiders WR Jerry Porter, who has been in coach Art Shell's doghouse, is doubtful with a hip injury. ... Might the Raiders be motivated Sunday by recalling the Chargers' gyrations for fallen teammate Steve Foley in the opener? The Chargers made a point in the 27-0 victory to copy Foley's sack dance after each of the nine sacks. "I learned a long time ago you can't worry about carrying chips on your shoulder,'' Shell said. " I'm not saying anything against that, but if you get caught up in that particular thing and not understand that that football team is pretty good, and you gotta play football and not be worrying about whether they dance. Yeah, they dance, OK? How do you stop them from dancing? You gotta go out there and play and you gotta play well and you got to beat them, and therefore you don't get those dances going. OK?''

Contact staff writer Jay Paris at jparis8@aol.com.