Eddie Royal

Chargers wide receiver Eddie Royal will make his team debut tonight in the season opener against the Raiders. A March free agent acquisition, Royal is healthy and expected to fill an active role.

The team has hardly hidden its hopes for Royal.

He will return his share of punts. He will run his share of routes from the slot, where he has proven ability to gain yards after the catch. He will give this team, it believes, an added dimension that will open up things for the players around him.

The Chargers need to fill a void left by WR Vincent Jackson. Malcom Floyd and Robert Meachem are likely ahead of Royal on the depth chart and Vincent Brown also will be a factor in the passing game. But, the team seems to be hyping Royal up, so keep your eye on the situation and see if he develops chemistry with QB Phillip Rivers.