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On a night many backups played extensively, second-year running back Ryan Mathews showed his team some flashes of why the Chargers gave up a truckload to trade up for him in the 2010 draft.

Mathews had a beautiful 56-yard touchdown run and he finished with 78 yards on five carries in a 20-17 loss to San Francisco. He showed he is perhaps ready to take on a bigger role once the regular season starts next week against Minnesota.

Rookie running back Jordan Todman also was active as he had 46 yards rushing on 15 carries.

Third-string quarterback Scott Tolzien showed his potential as he completed 16 of 23 passes for 226 yards. The Chargers like him as a developmental player.

Receiver Laurent Robinson, who faces big odds of making the team, had six catches for 120 yards. Receiver Seyi Ajirotutu helped his cause with five catches for 41 yards.

The Chargers are worried about injuries to rookie linebacker Jonas Mouton and Andrew Gachkar. It could affect who the team keeps at linebacker. Veteran Stephen Cooper -- who is playing with a torn biceps -- made his case to make the roster with seven tackles.

Late night (OK, early morning) notes on a Wild Wednesday:

Add the Houston Texans to the teams that are making a big run at Nnamdi Asomugha. The Texans join the Jets and 49ers as teams currently scrambling to pay Asomugha big dollars. Houston’s foray into the Asomugha party is not a surprise. They’ve been expected to make a run. The more teams making serious bids, the more money it will take to get him.

I get the feeling his agents are sitting back and letting the ledger rise. Meanwhile, ESPN’s John Clayton points out a couple of reasons why an Asomugha move to San Francisco is very possible.

Around the division:


• The Denver Post reports that no deal is imminent between the Broncos and the Dolphins for quarterback Kyle Orton, and Orton is expected to practice in Denver on Thursday. Still, this is a fluid situation that can change quickly.

• Broncos safety Brian Dawkins told reporters in Denver on Wednesday that he is in the process of restructuring his contract, which will keep him with the team.

• Denver defensive end Elvis Dumervil proclaimed that he is 100 percent healthy. He suffered a torn pectoral muscle last August and missed the entire 2010 season. He is moving back to defensive end as the Broncos transition to the 4-3 defense this season.

• After making linebacker Jonas Mouton the first second-round pick to sign earlier Wednesday, the Chargers signed tackle Stephen Schilling (sixth round) and linebacker Andrew Gachkar (seventh round) later in the evening.

• The Chargers re-signed outside linebacker Antwan Barnes. He is a good situational pass-rusher who has some solid ability. Meanwhile, Kevin Burnett may be pricing himself out of San Diego. He could end up in Miami.

• Denver is reportedly looking at defensive tackle Danny Muir. The Broncos also are trying to sign Seattle defensive tackle Brandon Mebane.

• An ESPN.com Insider analysis approves of the Chiefs’ move to agree to terms with Arizona receiver Steve Breaston.

• New Oakland head coach Hue Jackson showed his usual zeal when he met the media Wednesday.

• The Broncos have signed four draft picks and are hopeful the entire class will be signed soon. Denver starts training camp Thursday morning.

• The Raiders have four draft picks in the fold.