SAN DIEGO -- Out since suffering a broken forearm in a preseason game on Aug. 13, Chargers guard Johnnie Troutman could return to practice this week, coach Mike McCoy said.
“He’s getting there,” McCoy said. “And that’s one of the options we have, looking at this. It’s one of the many options that we’ll have to make a decision on the next couple of days on what we need to do moving forward.”
Guard Orlando Franklin (ankle), left tackle King Dunlap (concussion), center Chris Watt (groin), guard D.J. Fluker (ankle) and guard Chris Hairston (ankle) all suffered injuries during Sunday’s game against the Minnesota Vikings.
Fluker and Hairston had to play through pain because the Chargers only had eight offensive linemen available on the active, 46-man game-day roster.
McCoy said he’ll have to wait and see what players are healthy enough to play this week before the team determines what roster moves will be made to add depth up front.
The Chargers could elevate guard Craig Watts from the practice squad or bring back center/guard Michael Huey, who recently was let go from the practice squad so the team could add Watts.
“We have a number of guys who are dinged right now,” McCoy said. “It will be day-to-day. We’ll look at all different options. If we need to make a change somewhere with the amount of injuries we have -- if we need to bring someone in or elevate someone to the practice squad -- we’ll give it a day or so and keep you guys posted on any changes we need to make for the coming game.”
McCoy also might have to address depth issues at cornerback. Starter Brandon Flowers was a late scratch for Sunday’s game due to a knee issue, while Craig Mager suffered a hamstring injury and did not return.
San Diego’s other starting cornerback, Jason Verrett, played off and on because of a foot issue he practiced with all week.
The Chargers were down to two healthy cornerbacks in Stevie Williams and Patrick Robinson. Safety Jimmy Wilson moved inside to play slot defender when San Diego played with five defensive backs.
“The corners did outstanding, I thought, that were in there for the guys that were out,” Chargers safety Eric Weddle said.
