SAN DIEGO -- The Chargers received some encouraging news regarding three key players for Sunday's home game against the Oakland Raiders.
Pro Bowl tight end Antonio Gates, wide receiver Malcom Floyd and running back Mike Tolbert participated in practice Friday and were listed as questionable on the injury report.
"It's nice to get them out here and get them the reps that we emphasize on Friday," Chargers coach Norv Turner said. "I would love to have them practicing Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, but that is not where we are at right now. But I'm optimistic all three will be able to play."
Gates, who missed two of the last three games because of a torn plantar fascia in his right foot, practiced for the first time this week, in a limited role. He likely won't know his status until the hours leading up to kickoff.
"Can I sustain it for a whole football game, and if not, can I still come in and contribute on certain plays?" Gates said. "That is just where I'm at with it, and we'll see how it feels on Sunday. I get a chance to go out there and warm up and run around -- the whole vibe of when I wake up that morning and how my foot feels and how it feels running around usually determines if I'm going to play."
Floyd, bothered by a hamstring injury, fully participated in practice.
Tolbert practiced for the first time this week as swelling in his bruised hand prevented him from participating Wednesday or Thursday. Tolbert is the team's leading rusher with 609 yards, and he also has nine touchdowns.
Fantasy take
Chargers RB Mike Tolbert is questionable against the Raiders, but he's still the better fantasy option, even if Ryan Mathews returns from his injury and plays. **More ...**
Those numbers were expected to be produced by Ryan Mathews, the Chargers' first-round draft pick, but a high ankle sprain has derailed his rookie season. He missed the last two games and has sat out three overall.
Mathews practiced all this week and will have a share of the carries Sunday. Turner said that Tolbert will remain San Diego's featured back if he's healthy.
"I just want to go out there and play again," Mathews said. "It doesn't matter how they're going to use me, as long as I'm back on the field with my teammates. Whether it's one carry or 10 carries, I just want to play."
Unable to practice Friday were wide receivers Vincent Jackson (calf) and Patrick Crayton (wrist), plus starting right guard Louis Vasquez (neck). Crayton was declared out, and Jackson and Vasquez were listed as doubtful. None of the three has practiced all week.
Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press
