SAN DIEGO -- His quarterback Philip Rivers earned the honor last season, experiencing a rebirth in 2013.

San Diego Chargers receiver Malcom Floyd has gone through a similar transformation in 2014. Considered a long shot to make it back on the field after a serious neck injury forced him to the season-ending injured reserve list after just two games in 2013, Floyd has been a key contributor to San Diego's success on offense this season.

Chargers wide receiver Malcom Floyd scores the first of his four touchdowns (through Week 13) this season, against Arizona on Sept. 8. AP Photo/Rick Scuteri

For that, Floyd should be a candidate for the Associated Press Comeback Player of the Year award, which Rivers won last season.

"That would mean a lot," Floyd said, when asked about the possibility of winning the award. "But I think my main focus is just being there with my teammates and doing whatever I can to help us get further than what we did last year."

Floyd finished with a 59-yard reception, and forced a pass interference call against Baltimore cornerback Anthony Levine that set the Chargers up for the winning touchdown.

Floyd has been the vertical threat in the passing game the Chargers lacked last season. He has five catches of 40-plus yards this season. Floyd's 17.7 yards-per-catch average is second only to DeSean Jackson (20.0) for receivers with at least 39 catches this season.

On the season, Floyd has 39 receptions for 689 yards and four touchdowns.

Floyd, 33, is on track to play all 16 games for just the second time in his nine-year career, and the first time since 2009. He said maintaining a consistent weightlifting regimen during the season has helped keep him out of the training room.

"I'm just listening to my body more and getting in the weight room every day," Floyd said. "That's probably a huge change from the past, just being in the weight room, keeping my legs strong and just keeping my body strong."

Along with working to stay healthy, Chargers coach Mike McCoy said Floyd's relentless effort in practice has an effect on the entire team.

"It's non-stop," McCoy said. "He's one of those players where you've got to tell him to slow down. He's the same guy every game. Even when you have the shorter weeks and the walk-throughs, he still wants to get his timing down for those Thursday nights."