Free agent running back Jackie Battle signed with the San Diego Chargers on Friday, Kevin Acee of the San Diego Union-Tribune reports. Acee points out that Battle and the Chargers have been showing interest in one another for some time now.

Jackie Battle was first free agent RBChargers showed interest in back in March. Visited San Diego. Sides couldn't agree then. Did today.

— UTKevinAcee (@UTKevinAcee) July 20, 2012

Battle broke out last season, splitting carries with Thomas Jones on the Kansas City Chiefs with Jamaal Charles injured for the season. The running back out of Houston ran for 597 yards on 149 carries while scoring two touchdowns.

The Chargers could use the depth at running back considering Ryan Mathews and Ronnie Brown are both significant injury risks. Battle won't see much of the field if all goes according to plan, however.

For more on the Chargers, check out Bolts from the Blue.