SAN DIEGO -- A couple healthy bodies that could help the San Diego Chargers up front likely remain a few weeks away from returning to the practice field.
Out since Aug. 13 when he suffered a broken forearm in the preseason opener against the Dallas Cowboys, guard Johnnie Troutman hoped to return for Week 3. Troutman said his rehabilitation is going well, but he's still a couple weeks away from returning to the field.
"I'm definitely itching to get back out there, go produce and help the team out any way I can," Troutman said. "It's been rough [watching from the sideline]. It's my last year here under contract, and I just want to go out and help -- go out there, do your thing and show them why they kept you here."
Troutman also dealt with a knee issue during training camp, and wants to get as close to 100 percent healthy as possible before he returns, so he has a better chance of staying healthy for the rest of the season.
One of the things Chargers' brass like about Troutman is his toughness and ability to play a little dinged up.
"Injuries happen," Troutman said. "And if you can be out there banged up and still perform, that helps the teams out, and the roster out upstairs with making transactions and getting the best 46 out there during the game."
D.J. Fluker suffered a high-ankle sprain in a Week 1 win against the Detroit Lions. He walked a few laps around the field before San Diego's game against the Cincinnati Bengals last week, but still has a noticeable limp. Fluker said he's a week or two away from returning to the field.
Asked if he'll practice this week, Fluker said he needs to test out his ankle and see what he can do first.
If Troutman and Fluker remain unavailable, Chris Hairston will likely get his second straight start at right guard against the Minnesota Vikings.
