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Worthington Hopes To Help Depleted Chargers Defensive Line

SAN DIEGO (CBSLA.com/AP) — Defensive lineman Doug Worthington landed in the right spot.

Worthington, who was drafted in the 7th round of the 2010 NFL Draft out of Ohio State, went through his second practice with the San Diego Chargers on Tuesday, one day after signing as a free agent.

"It was an awesome feeling competing out here," Worthington said. "The team has great chemistry and flies to the ball."

Worthington, released by Washington after its first preseason game, was a prime target for the Chargers after their line was hit with injuries.

Defensive linemen Sean Lissemore (ankle) and Lawrence Guy (shoulder) didn't practice Tuesday; defensive end Corey Liuget continues to work with a sore foot.

On Monday, the team released Damik Scafe because of a hip injury.

"That's all part of it, part of camp," Chargers coach Mike McCoy said. "There are going to be injuries. It's the next man up, next guy has to step up and do their job. We are not going to skip a beat."

The Chargers were hoping Ryan Carrethers, a fifth-round pick, would push for starting time at tackle. That has yet to happen.

So a team desperate for defensive linemen welcomes Worthington, an end in the Chargers' 3-4 alignment.

"I feel great, like I have a chip on my shoulder and I have something to prove," the 6-foot-5, 311-pound Worthington said. "I have a lot of football left in me and I want to go out there and make an impact."

Worthington didn't play last season, his third with the Redskins, languishing on injured-reserve following offseason biceps injury.

In 2012, Worthington had three tackles in limited duty.

Worthington, a seventh-round pick by the Steelers in 2010, missed some time in the Redskins' camp with a hamstring injury. But he said he was stunned by his release.

"Very surprised, but it's part of the business," Worthington said. "I put some of the onus on me, but at the end of the day it is a business. I'm just blessed to be here with the Chargers."

(TM and © Copyright 2014 CBS Local Media, a division of CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2014 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

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