SAN DIEGO -- One of the players sorely missed during a dismal 5-11 campaign by the Chargers last season was running back Danny Woodhead.

Woodhead suffered an ACL knee injury to his right knee that required surgery in a Week 2 contest against the Jaguars, ending his season.

However, during the locker-room cleanout at the end of the season, Woodhead indicated that his rehab was going well and he was on schedule to return to the field in 2017.

Danny Woodhead has been plagued by injuries, but the Chargers like his running style. AP Photo/Gregory Bull

General manager Tom Telesco told reporters at the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis on Thursday that the Chargers are in talks to keep Woodhead with the team.

“We think he’s a valuable part of our offense,” Telesco said. “In his four years for us he’s been a very productive player. He’s a great person, great teammate. And he’s someone I’d like to keep here long-term, and we’ve been in discussions on that.”

Chargers head coach Anthony Lynn coached Woodhead while serving as the running backs coach for the Jets in 2009, and is familiar with the his skill set.

“Danny’s a tandem guy,” Lynn said. “He’s offers some change of pace. He’s quick and has good hands out of the backfield. I had Danny in New York, so I know Danny very well.

“He’s a good change-up from Melvin [Gordon]. Melvin is more of that bigger, taller, physical power runner. And Danny can bring that finesse, quickness and perimeter running game.”

Woodhead has been a valuable, impact player during his four seasons with the Chargers.

He had his most productive year in 2015, when he topped all running backs with 755 receiving yards and totaled 1,091 yards from scrimmage.

In four seasons with the Chargers, Woodhead finished with 2,348 yards from scrimmage (1,429 receiving and 919 rushing). During his time with the team, Woodhead established a good rapport with quarterback Philip Rivers and offensive coordinator Ken Whisenhunt.

However, Woodhead missed 27 games over the last three years due to injury in a time the Chargers struggled to keep impact players on the field.

Along with missing 14 games last year due an ACL knee injury, Woodhead missed 13 games in 2014 with a broken right ankle suffered against the Bills in Week 3.

Woodhead turned 32 in January, but has not had the wear and tear of other running backs his age on his body because his touches have been limited over the years.

“Danny has shown to be a really good football player in this league,” Whisenhunt said. “No question, him going out in the second game was something that hurt us, just because of his effectiveness.

“I hope we get him back because he’s a tremendous player.”