Chargers special-teams ace Kassim Osgood wants to play receiver.  And he’s ready to make a statement to that effect.

According to the San Diego Union-Tribune, Osgood plans to boycott the team’s offseason workouts in protest of the fact that he’s not getting a shot to play offense.

“There is no reason to come to the [offseason coaching sessions] and run routes all day and run my body down and not be a receiver,” Osgood said.

Osgood is signed through 2009, but doesn’t want to wait until March 2010 to look for a new team.  He reportedly has asked for a trade in the past year. 

But G.M. A.J. Smith claims that he wasn’t aware that Osgood is unhappy.  “This is a total surprise,” Smith said, adding that no one previously has indicated to him that Osgood wants out.

The problem was compounded a year ago, when the Chargers drafted Buster Davis and Legedu Naanee.  During the season, the Chargers acquired Chris Chambers via a trade.

“I’m getting typecast into being a special-teams guy,” Osgood said.  “That’s not what I am.  I’m a receiver who plays special teams.  People are starting to doubt I can play.  They’re believing I play special teams because I’m not good enough.”

Actually, Osgood got a chance to play receiver at this year’s Pro Bowl.  But only two balls were thrown his way, neither was caught, and one was intercepted.