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The San Diego Chargers added an explosive playmaker on offense Monday by signing Danario Alexander, the 6-foot-5, 214-pound wide receiver who has recorded 46 catches over his first two years in the league for 737 yards and three touchdowns.

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Now, he is ready to make an impact in San Diego.

“It feels great to be here on this team,” he said following his first practice as a member of the Bolts. “I’m thankful for the opportunity the Chargers are giving me. I don’t take it lightly. I’m ready to contribute. I’m an explosive receiver and I like to make a lot of big plays.  I’m just out here to help this team win. Every opportunity I get I’m going to make the most of it, and I’m just looking forward to it.”

There’s no denying Alexander’s talent.  His combination of size and athleticism allows him to be a playmaker when he’s out on the field.  But that is where he has struggled the most, as injuries have kept him on the sidelines.  First it was a series of knee injuries dating back to his senior year of college, then  a hamstring issue that led to him being cut by the St. Louis Rams.  Now, he feels as though he has turned the corner, which is great news for the Chargers.

“I’m feeling pretty healthy,” he said. “Every day I’m feeling great.  My knees feel great, and my hamstring is what I had to get over with lately, and that’s feeling good so I’m ready to play.”

While some may be unfamiliar with Alexander, Chargers’ linebacker Andrew Gachkar knows first-hand how talented the wide receiver is having played with him collegiately at Missouri.

“The guy is a beast,” said Gachkar. “An absolute beast.  In my mind, as long as he’s healthy he can be as good as anyone else in the league.”

When asked what he is most excited about in joining the Chargers, Alexander was quick with his answer.

“Philip Rivers,” he said. “It’s awesome to think that’s my quarterback.  To be around a guy who commands leadership of his team and has put up great numbers over his history in the league, I’m honored to play with him.”

Overall, Alexander is honored to be a member of the Chargers and join what he considers an elite crop of receivers.

“The guys they have catching balls here are awesome,” he said. “You’ve got a lot of great guys.  There’s Malcom Floyd and Robert Meachem, and then you have one of the best tight ends to ever play the game, Antonio Gates, so it’s impressive. I’m honored to be a part of this crew.”

Alexander practiced fully today and is hopeful he will have a chance to make an immediate impact this Sunday in Cleveland.

Quick Hits
*The Chargers signed WR Kashif Moore to the practice squad and released Marques Clark.
*Jared Gaither returned to practice today after missing all of the previous two weeks with a groin injury. He credits the bye for coming at “a perfect time to allow me to heal 100%.”
*Kris Dielman was at Chargers Park today and visited with his old teammates in the locker room.