Oliver (Achilles) and Kenjon Barner are expected to compete for the "change-of-pace" running back position behind Melvin Gordon (knee), Jack Wang of the Orange County Register reports.
The Chargers opted not to draft a running back in the 2017 NFL Draft, meaning that Oliver, Barner, and, to some extent, Kenneth Farrow (shoulder) will all be competing for the affection of new head coach and former running back coach Anthony Lynn. "I do like the backs that we have on the roster," Lynn said. "We have to get better, but I think these guys are working at it. I think they will get better. I didn't want to reach for a guy." After losing Danny Woodhead (knee) in free agency, there remains some discussion as to who will take over his role as a nifty, change-of-pace threat out of the backfield. Oliver, who missed all of last year after tearing his Achilles, doesn't seem to fit the profile, as the 25-year-old has primarily been used as a one-cut-and-up-the-field type of player, but that role could expand should he gain the confidence of Lynn.