Chargers’ Man for All Reasons : Football: Steve Hendrickson can, and will, play anytime, anywhere. All he wants is a chance. write three lines. write three lines. write three lines.

In the team hotel before Sunday’s game, linebacker Coach Dale Lindsey gave Steve Hendrickson some last minute pash-rushing tips.

Don’t bet against quarterback coach Jack Reilly running Hendrickson through three-step dropbacks and snaps from center before this Sunday’s game with Indianapolis.

Hendrickson has played everything else this year, he might as well try quarterback. The age of specialization in the NFL seems to have passed Hendrickson by.

Through seven games, he has played nine positions: three linebacking spots, tight end, H-back, fullback and special teams. Sunday he added left and right defensive end to his resume.

Charger Coach Bobby Ross said the plan to play Hendrickson at end was hatched two weeks ago in practice.

“Steve worked there and was giving (tackle) Harry Swayne some problems,” Ross said. “We said in an emergency situation, that might be something that we could do.”

An emergency developed when the team learned that starting right end Leslie O’Neal’s knee injury would keep him out of the Denver game. With rookie Chris Mims as the only other defensive end, Ross turned to Hendrickson and moved Mims inside to tackle where he had been playing much of the season.

The statisics show that Hendrickson in his fifth year out of Cal, made only tackle and had one assist, but Hendrickson gave himself a passing grade.

“I think I did OK,” he said. “The second half I did much better because I realized what was going on. They didn’t run the ball against me and that was something I was worried about. When they did, we stopped them, but a lot of that was because of Junior (Seau) making great plays.”

Ross said he was impressed with Hendrickson’s work over 48 plays.

“Steve came in in a very tough situation,” Ross said. “There aren’t many 5-11 defensive ends in the National Football League.”

There aren’t any. In fact, the Chargers three defensive ends, Burt Grossman, O’Neal and Mims, are 6-4, 6-4 and 6-5. But there probably aren’t many defensive ends who run the 40-yard dash in 4.54 either.

“I have enough strength and speed,” said Hendrickson, who weighs 250 pounds. “I definitely don’t have the height.”

Mims said size has no bearing with Hendrickson.

“Steve is quick,” Mims said. “You can’t knock his size, because he plays like he’s big. You’re trying to get the quickest person out there to get to the quarterback. He took care of business.”

Hendrickson said he had a blast.

“It was fun,” Hendrickson said. “It was probably one of the funnest things I’ve ever done.”

Those who know Hendrickson will admit that’s saying something.

Mims, a rookie, said of Hendrickson: “He’s on the edge.”

Hendrickson, who has been cut five times since being drafted by Bill Walsh and the 49ers in 1988, said he feels like he’s always on the edge.

“I never feel secure,” Hendrickson said. “Most of it comes from being a special teams guy and seeing great special teams guys in the league get cut or left unprotected.”

Hendrickson, who was nicknamed ‘Rocket” by his Charger teammates for his reckless special teams play, didn’t miss a play of special teams either Sunday and even played a down at fullback.

“They know I just want to play,” he said. “I just want to get out there and do everything I can.”

Ross has taken note of Hendrickson’s desire.

“You better be ready to play 100% against Steve Hendrickson, because he is 100% football player,” Ross said. “He’s a throwback to the old days. He just loves the game of football. He loves contact.”

And he loves playing . . . anywhere. Hendrickson said he has heard talk of a 40-man NFL roster.

“I think that would be sweet,” Hendrickson said.