Of the free-agent options available, Dexter McCluster seemed the favorite to join the Chargers this week following Sunday's season-ending knee injury to running back Danny Woodhead.
Indeed, he will.
The running back, who spent the past two seasons with Chargers offensive coordinator Ken Whisenhunt in Tennessee, signed with the club Tuesday. Between his familiarity with the Chargers' scheme and AFC West, the team anticipates him to acclimate quickly.
McCluster, 28, could be active Sunday in Indianapolis.
While not considered a magic replacement to Woodhead _ that doesn't exist on the street in September, and it would be difficult to find any other month _ McCluster is in a similar mold as someone who, at times, moves like a wide receiver and is a weapon in space coming out of the backfield.
He spent the first four seasons of his pro career with the Chiefs as a 2010 second-round pick from Mississippi.
McCluster has 247 career carries for 1,040 yards and two touchdowns. He's been just as productive as a receiver, logging 229 receptions for 1,957 yards and seven scores. The 5-foot-8 back has special teams experience, too; he's returned 125 career punts and 65 kickoffs.
Other free agents included C.J. Spiller and Ronnie Hillman.
McCluster's background, particularly with Whisenhunt, made him the player the Chargers targeted all along after Woodhead tore the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee Sunday. The injury came during the first quarter of a 38-14 win over the Jaguars.
To make room on the roster for McCluster, the Chargers waived wide receiver and kick returner Isaiah Burse. The club also adjusted its practice squad, signing rookie tight end Austin Traylor and releasing tackle Austin Shepherd.
