SAN DIEGO -- Offensive lineman D.J. Fluker returned to practice on Thursday as a limited participant, the first time he’s worked on the field with a helmet since suffering a high-ankle sprain in the San Diego Chargers' season opener on Sept. 13 against the Detroit Lions.
Chris Hairston started at right guard against the Cincinnati Bengals last week, but there’s an outside chance Fluker could be available on Sunday, missing only one game due to the injury.
“He’s worked extremely hard off on the side up until this point of time,” Chargers head coach Mike McCoy said. “And he’s just chomping at the bit to get back out there as soon as he can.”
Chargers offensive coordinator Frank Reich said that Fluker played well against the Lions in his first career start at right guard in Week 1, and that it would be good to see him get back on the field.
“Fluke had a really solid first game,” Reich said. “And obviously we need all hands on deck. That’s the way it is. So as Coach [McCoy] always says, we’re going to try and get [the] healthiest 46 out there and play the best we can play.”
Center Chris Watt also returned to practice as a limited participant after missing Wednesday’s workout with a groin issue.
Safety Jahleel Addae (ankle), receiver Jacoby Jones (ankle), guard Johnnie Troutman (forearm) and linebacker Tourek Williams (foot) remain out for the Chargers.
Cornerback Jason Verrett was a new addition to the injury report as a full participant with a foot issue. Outside linebacker Kyle Emanuel (shoulder) and guard Chris Hairston (knee) also were full participants.
