Derius Davis’ game-changing skills proving critical for Chargers

One was clutch. The other was acrobatic.

Both of Derius Davis’ touchdown catches have been electrifying.

The second-year receiver has sparked the Chargers’ offense at just the right time with the first two touchdown catches of his career. Davis has 60 of his season-total 107 yards receiving in the last two weeks, using just four receptions to ignite an offense that has scored 74 combined points in the last two games entering Sunday’s regular-season finale against the Las Vegas Raiders.

“He’s one of those guys that just has a knack at being a spark, being a tone setter,” coach Jim Harbaugh said.

“There’s times it just comes like a bolt. A bolt of lightning.”

Davis’ scoring plays couldn’t have come at a better time. With the Chargers struggling with late-season injuries in the passing game to leading receiver Ladd McConkey and tight end Will Dissly, Davis — known more for his energy as a punt and kick returner — has six catches in the last four games, equaling his total from the first 13 weeks of the season.

Davis’ twisting touchdown catch in the fourth quarter against the Denver Broncos in Week 16 helped the Chargers grab control of their playoff hopes in a pivotal divisional game. The Chargers took the lead on Davis’ touchdown, surging back from an 11-point, first-half deficit.

Fellow receiver Quentin Johnston recognized the importance of Davis’ play against the Broncos, but was more impressed by his former Texas Christian teammate’s diving catch in the first quarter against the New England Patriots on Saturday.

Davis reached a full stretch in the air to reel in a 23-yard touchdown catch. He lunged, grabbed the ball by his fingertips, then tucked it away as he’ fell to the ground.

“Just perfect technique,” Johnston said.

Chargers wide receiver Derius Davis finds room to run against the Denver Broncos on Dec. 19.

(Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times)

Davis didn’t even realize he had left his feet for the play until he watched a replay. He even had to crack a smile.

“Touchdowns are hard to come by in this league,” Davis said. “So you, for sure, gotta pat yourself on the back.”

Davis waited patiently for the breakthrough moment. He was a first-team All-American punt returner at TCU and won the 2022 Jet Award, which honors the nation’s top returner. The 2023 fourth-round draft pick led the NFL in punt return average last year with 16 yards per return and one touchdown, but had just 15 catches for 66 yards on 17 targets.

“I think he’s starting to put people on notice of what type of receiver he is,” Johnston said.

Johnston has seen Davis’ elite skills for five consecutive years since he enrolled at TCU in 2020. He knew Davis’ reputation as a returner: In 2018, Davis was the first TCU true freshman to return a punt return for a touchdown in his college debut since 2012 and finished with six special teams touchdowns.

But with speed that Texas Christian clocked at 23 miles an hour during an 80-yard jet sweep touchdown against Southern Methodist University, Davis can turn even short passes into long touchdowns on offense.

“Whether it’s handing him the ball or throwing to him, we just got to find a good way to get him the ball,” quarterback Justin Herbert said. “Because, as we’ve seen, whether it’s punt returns or whether it’s catching it, and whether it’s out of the backfield, he makes people miss.”

Davis has 11 rushing attempts this season with 40 yards and is averaging 27.6 yards per kick return compared to 22 yards last year. To handle his varied role, Davis studies the playbook meticulously. Even when he can’t run through plays on the field in practice, he makes sure to rehearse them in his mind. The results are starting to manifest on the field.

“Every time I step on the field,” Davis said, “I’m thinking touchdown every time.”

Gilman designated for return to action

The Chargers opened the 21-day practice window for safety Alohi Gilman, who has missed the last five games while on injured reserve.

The 27-year-old’s return is especially key for the secondary as fellow safety Elijah Molden went on IR Wednesday because of a broken fibula he suffered Saturday against the Patriots.

Gilman has 47 tackles and one interception.

Etc.

Kicker Cameron Dicker was named the AFC special teams player of the week Tuesday, earning the honor after hitting four field goals and four extra points against the Patriots. His 16 points were the most for any kicker in Week 17. He has set a career best and a single-season franchise record with 35 field goals. … McConkey (toe) and fellow receiver Joshua Palmer (heel) did not practice Wednesday, along with running back Gus Edwards (ankle) and defensive lineman Poona Ford (elbow).