San Diego Chargers star tight end Antonio Gates didn’t practice Wednesday because of a toe injury he suffered in a loss at St. Louis on Sunday. He could miss Sunday’s game against New England.

Receiver Legedu Naanee didn’t practice Wednesday because of a hamstring injury that kept him of the Rams’ game. Naanee will be needed because No. 1 receiver Malcom Floyd will likely not play against the Patriots with a hamstring injury. Running back Ryan Mathews was kept out of Wednesday’s practice because of a nagging ankle injury.

Mathews is expected to play, but if Gates, Floyd and Naanee are out, San Diego will be hard pressed to score points against the Patriots.

• It appears Kansas City defensive end Tyson Jackson is making strides to getting back on the field. He practiced fully Wednesday. He has been out since Week 1 with a knee injury. Receiver Chris Chambers (finger) and right tackle Ryan O’Callaghan (groin) also practiced fully for the Chiefs.

• Kansas City signed defensive lineman Atiyyah Ellison. He had six starts for Jacksonville last year. The Chiefs play Jacksonville on Sunday. Ellison takes over for Alex Magee, who was traded to Tampa Bay on Tuesday. Here are some details of the deal.

• In his rookie watch on ESPN.com, Matt Williamson of Scouts Inc. shows excitement over the play of Oakland defensive lineman Lamarr Houston. Oakland may have a real find in the second-round pick.

• San Diego quarterback Philip Rivers and Denver quarterback Kyle Orton made ESPN.com’s MVP watch.

• Former NFL salary cap man Andrew Brandt has an interesting look at the recent contract extension signed by San Diego left tackle Marcus McNeill.

• The Broncos signed tight end John Nalbone and defensive lineman Mitch Unrein to the practice squad.