San Diego ? The San Diego Chargers acquired Chris Chambers from the Miami Dolphins just before Tuesday’s trade deadline, giving quarterback Philip Rivers a veteran wide receiver to work with.

In return, the winless Dolphins will receive a 2008 second-round draft pick.

The Chargers needed to bolster their passing game because of the uncertain status of No. 1 wide receiver Eric Parker, out since June because of a broken toe.

Chambers has 31 receptions for 415 yards and no touchdowns this season. He was a second-round choice by Miami in 2001 and enjoyed his best season in 2005, when he made 82 catches for 1,118 yards and 11 scores, and was voted to the Pro Bowl.

The durable Chambers, who has missed only two games in his career, is signed through 2009. The Chargers expect him to immediately bolster an otherwise young and undistinguished wide receiving corps.

“Chris is an explosive, talented player and I’m thrilled to have an opportunity to work with him again,” Chargers coach Norv Turner said in a statement. Turner was Miami’s offensive coordinator in 2002-03.

“He’s a very consistent player and he has big-play ability,” Turner added. “We think he can add to what we’re doing on offense. The bonus for us is that he’s familiar with the system. It should be a quick and easy adjustment for him. We expect him to come in and be productive right away.”

San Diego’s offense struggled through the first four games, when the Chargers went 1-3. Rivers had some poor performances, and reigning league MVP LaDainian Tomlinson struggled for yards. The Chargers rebounded by routing the Broncos 41-3 in Denver on Oct. 7, then beat the Oakland Raiders 28-14 last Sunday behind Tomlinson’s four touchdowns rushing.

Tomlinson and tight end Antonio Gates have provided the bulk of the Chargers’ offense. Tomlinson has rushed for 527 yards and six touchdowns, and caught 25 passes for 210 yards. Tomlinson’s receptions are second on the team behind Gates, who has 43 catches for 547 yards and three touchdowns.