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NFL.com's Jason La Canfora expects Vincent Jackson to stay in San Diego, perhaps after being franchised. I believe the Chargers could give him the franchise tag, but they’d rather not because they have other goals and tagging JAckson would cost $13.7 million this season.

Oakland general manager Reggie McKenzie indicated that more players could be cut in Oakland as the Raiders adjust their salary cap. Cornerback Stanford Routt has already been cut and he signed with Kansas City. Among the candidates to be cut or have their contracts restructured include safety Michael Huff, defensive linemen John Henderson and Tommy Kelly and linebacker Aaron Curry.

The Chargers could potentially move down from No. 18 to compile more picks.

Carolina has signed former San Diego pass-rusher Jyles Tucker. He reunites with former San Diego defensive coordinator Ron Rivera, who is the Panthers’ head coach.

The San Diego Chargers have released six players. There are no surprises.

Here is the list: receiver Buster Davis, linebacker Brandon Lang, cornerback Donald Strickland, linebacker Jyles Tucker and tight end Kris Wilson. The Chargers also withdrew their qualifying offer from linebacker Antwan Applewhite. All six players are now free agents.

The Chargers finally ran out of patience with Davis, a first-round pick in 2007. He has skills, but he just can’t stay healthy.

Let’s look at some early morning notes before we gear up for another busy day on Wednesday. You know, later today.

• The Raiders aren’t just talking to San Francisco safety Dashon Goldson. They are also in talks with Baltimore tackle Jared Gaither. He is a talented player who could help Oakland’s young offensive line. He’d be the Raiders’ best offensive lineman. Gaither played for Hue Jackson and Al Saunders in Baltimore. Gaither would be pricey, but he’s needed in Oakland.

• The San Diego Union Tribune reported the Chargers cut linebacker Jyles Tucker and receiver Buster Davis and that linebacker Antwan Applewhite will soon join Tucker on the outside. Tucker was given a contract extension three years ago and the Chargers thought he would become a premier pass rusher. But he couldn’t stay healthy. That’s been the case with Davis, a former first-round pick. It’s been expected that he will be cut. The moves will be made official Thursday.

• It’s being reported that Washington is close to dealing quarterback Donovan McNabb to Minnesota for a sixth-round pick and a conditional future sixth-round pick. This would take the Vikings out of the mix for Denver quarterback Kyle Orton. I don’t think, however, it would affect Orton’s value. McNabb and Orton are in different situations and Orton has more value at this point.

• Now that San Diego has signed Takeo Spikes, Green Bay inside linebacker Nick Barnett likely is out of the picture there. Barnett could attract interest in Kansas City, though.

• The Denver Post reports the Broncos are trying to re-sign defensive tackle Marcus Thomas. He’d help a thin position.

• The Chiefs agreed to terms with backup defensive back Travis Daniels.

• Here are San Diego’s 19 undrafted free agents: Arizona C Colin Baxter, Texas Tech LB Bront Bird, Auburn DE Mike Blanc, Arkansas CB Ramon Broadway, Maryland WR Adrian Cannon, South Carolina FB Patrick DiMarco, Georgia LB Darryl Gamble, TCU DT Kelly Griffin, Washington T Cody Habben, Kansas State CB Stephen Harrison, Cincinnati WR Vidal Hazelton, Oklahoma WR Cameron Kenney, Minnesota-Duluth RB Isaac Odim, Colorado WR Travon Patterson, Boston College DE Damik Scafe, Whittier WR Giovanni Stanley, Baylor TE Brad Taylor, Oregon T Bo Thran and Wisconsin QB Scott Tolzien.

The San Diego Chargers will be paying attention to talks between the New England Patriots and Minnesota Vikings regarding receiver Randy Moss. The Chargers talked to Minnesota last month about sending holdout receiver Vincent Jackson to the Vikings.

But the Chargers didn’t accept the Vikings' offer. Jackson, who is expected to hold out for the entire season, can be traded Oct. 18 or Oct.19. Of course, if the Vikings obtain Moss, Jackson’s biggest pursuer will be off the table.

• San Diego signed 10-year veteran Tyrone Carter to provide depth at safety while starting strong safety Steve Gregory serves a four-game NFL suspension for using a banned substance.

• The Chargers signed linebacker Cyril Obiozor. He was on the Cardinals’ practice squad and was previously with Green Bay. Obiozor gives San Diego depth at linebacker. The team is stretched thin by injuries, especially since Jyles Tucker went on the injured reserve with a chest injury. The team will need Shawne Merriman to play Sunday at Oakland even though he is coming off a calf injury. The team brought back cornerback Dante Hughes for the third straight week.

• The Denver Post reported that the Broncos have resumed contact extension talks with Champ Bailey. The two sides talked in early September. The key sticking point, I’m told, is the basis of any deal -- money. If the two sides can find a financial accord, there will be a deal. If not, there won’t be. Bailey is in the final year of a seven-year deal. It’s just a guess, but I bet a deal gets done at some point this season.

• I could see a scenario where Denver looks at Julius Jones, who was cut by Seattle. Jones has lost a step and has been playing poorly, but Denver is dead last in rushing and could look for veteran depth. The team hopes starter Knowshon Moreno is coming back this week after missing the past two games with a hamstring injury.

• With injury concerns at linebacker, Oakland brought back Bruce Davis. They cut defensive lineman Jay Alford, who was signed last month.

The San Diego Union Tribune is reporting backup Chargers linebacker Jyles Tucker will be put on the injured reserve with a torn pectoral muscle he suffered Sunday against the Cardinals.

That is a big problem for the Chargers. They only have three fully healthy linebackers. That’s not good for a team that runs a 3-4 defense.

Expect the Chargers to sign a linebacker this week to help. Also, expect Shawne Merriman to try to do all he can to be ready to play at Oakland on Sunday. He missed Sunday’s’ win over Arizona with a calf injury that kept him out most of the last week’s loss at Seattle. Merriman was warming up before the Arizona game and he looked OK. With another week of rest, he may be fine to play against the Raiders. Larry English will miss the next three weeks with a foot injury.

• The hamstring injury Oakland standout running back Darren McFadden suffered in the loss to Houston on Sunday will be monitored each day this week. The Raiders still have hope he can play against the Chargers. At this point, the injury isn’t considered as bad as the hamstring injury that kept McFadden out for about two weeks in training camp.

• A day after Denver quarterback Kyle Orton said the Titans play dirty, his coach, Josh McDaniels, backed him up.

• The 3-0 Chiefs, the last unbeaten team in the NFL, are confident heading into a big game at Indianapolis on Sunday.

Denver Broncos

Tim Tebow has passed second-year QB Tom Brandstater on the Broncos' depth chart.

Rookie wideout Demaryius Thomas removed some tweets from his Twitter account after remarks he made about X-rays caused some waves.

Kansas City Chiefs

The Chiefs are considering moving Glenn Dorsey, who played end in the Chiefs' 3-4 scheme last season, to nose tackle.

Considering all the team has invested in the front seven, it should consider using the zone blitz more.

Oakland Raiders

Jerry McDonald points out that the grievance the Raiders filed against quarterback JaMarcus Russell sheds light on why Russell was invited to mandatory minicamp: The team was hoping he'd be a no-show, because the Raiders have been considering a move to recover money for some time.

San Diego Chargers

Linebacker Jyles Tucker has stood out at this week's minicamp.

With the wide receiver depth chart thinned out due to contract disputes and injuries, Gary Banks and Jeremy Williams got the reps with the first unit.

Denver quarterback Kyle Orton did not practice at all Wednesday because of an ankle injury. Orton is hopeful he can play against San Diego in a game for first place in the AFC West. Receiver Brandon Marshall didn’t practice because of a neck injury.

Also is the AFC West:

• Several San Diego players didn’t practice Wednesday. The missing players included tight end Antonio Gates (foot), center Nick Hardwick (ankle), linebacker Shawne Merriman (foot ) and linebacker Shaun Phillips (ankle).
• San Diego put linebacker Jyles Tucker on injured reserve Wednesday. The backup linebacker had four tackles this year. Offensive tackle Corey Clark was promoted from the practice squad.
• Kansas City linebacker Mike Vrabel didn’t practice Wednesday because of a knee injury.
• The Chargers have 7,300 tickets remaining for their next home game, Nov. 29 against Kansas City. If not enough tickets are sold, the game will be blacked out locally. The deadline is next week.
• Any thoughts of the Raiders moving to Los Angeles next season have been dashed.
• Darrius Heyward-Bey will remain in Oakland’s starting lineup despite his issues with dropped passes.
• The Wildcat has not been a major part of any AFC West team’s offense this season.

Posted by ESPN.com’s Bill Williamson

• Guard Russ Hochstein was practicing with the first unit in Denver ahead of Ben Hamilton. Thus, it looks like Hochstein, who played for Denver coach Josh McDaniels in New England, is primed to start Sunday at Washington. Hamilton has struggled some lately.
• Denver receiver Brandon Marshall didn’t practice Wednesday because of a back injury. It is not known if it will jeopardize his playing chances Sunday.
• It doesn’t look like Washington running back Clinton Portis is going to face his former team Sunday.
• With Jyles Tucker slowed by an ankle injury, the Chargers worked out Marques Harris, who left the team through free agency last year. It seems Harris will be on the team’s radar for the next couple of weeks.
• Running back LaDainian Tomlinson (hip), tight end Antonio Gates (foot) and linebacker Shaun Phillips (ankle) were among the players who didn’t practice in San Diego on Wednesday. At this point, none of the injuries appear serious. Center Nick Hardwick continued to practice on a limited basis. Still, it is no sure thing he will play Sunday against the Eagles.
• Here is more speculation that this will be Tomlinson’s last year in San Diego. He almost didn’t come back this year, and if his production doesn’t increase dramatically, he will likely not be a Charger next year.
• Oakland's Greg Ellis had shoulder surgery as well as knee surgery.

Posted by ESPN.com’s Bill Williamson

• Running back Kolby Smith has begun practicing with the Chiefs. They have three weeks to decide to activate him or shelve him for the season. If Smith is ready, he should get his share of carries down the stretch.
• Meanwhile, Kansas City safety Jon McGraw parlayed an excellent game Sunday while playing in relief of the injured Jarrad Page into a starting spot Wednesday. We’ll see if this change continues. But it is another interesting move by Chiefs coach Todd Haley.
• Oakland receiver Chaz Schilens said he is ready to play Sunday against the Jets. He has missed nine weeks with a broken foot.
• Denver quarterback Kyle Orton and linebacker Elvis Dumervil are on NFC West blogger Mike Sando’s latest MVP watch.
• San Diego linebacker Kevin Burnett didn’t participate in practice Wednesday with an ankle injury he suffered Sunday. Defensive end Travis Johnson was out with a groin injury and receiver Buster Davis and linebacker Jyles Tucker were out with illnesses.
• Kansas City offensive linemen Branden Albert and Brian Waters were both limited Wednesday with ankles injuries. That’s progress for Albert. He didn’t play at Washington because of the injury. But with him on the practice field, there is hope he can play against the Chargers on Sunday.
• Denver worked out veteran punter Mitch Berger on Wednesday.

Posted by ESPN.com’s Bill Williamson

OAKLAND –- There are some big names on both sides of the ball that are inactive for Monday night’s game between the Chargers and the Raiders.

None are huge surprises because of known injury situations, but there are some quality players on the sideline.

Here is Oakland’s inactives: running back Justin Fargas, receivers Chaz Schilens, Javon Walker and Nick Miller, tight end Brandon Myers, tackle Khalif Barnes, guard Paul McQuistan. The third quarterback is Charlie Frye. Bruce Gradkowski will be the backup.

Here are San Diego’s inactives: receiver Buster Davis, running back Michael Bennett, defensive end Jacques Cesaire, safeties Kevin Ellison and C.J. Spillman, guard Tyronne Green and linebacker Jyles Tucker. Charlie Whitehurst is the third quarterback.

Posted by ESPN.com's Bill Williamson

Here is a Friday injury report on the Broncos, Chiefs and Chargers:

In Denver, star cornerback Champ Bailey will test his groin injury, which has kept him out of the past six games, Sunday prior to the Broncos' game at Carolina. He was limited in practice all week. He is listed as questionable on the injury report.

Weakside linebacker D.J. Williams appears to be on his way to playing after starting the past five games with a knee injury. He practiced fully all week and he is listed as probable. Receiver Brandon Stokley is questionable with a foot injury he suffered last week against Kansas City. If Stokley doesn't play, Darrell Jackson and Chad Jackson will get more playing time.

In Kansas City, receiver Mark Bradley is questionable with a calf injury that kept him out of the Denver game. He was limited in his participation all week. Devard Darling replaced him against the Broncos. Center Rudy Niswanger (knee), cornerback Maurice Leggett (shoulder) and linebacker Donnie Edwards (knee) are also all questionable to face visiting San Diego on Sunday.

In San Diego, safety Clinton Hart and fullback Mike Tolbert are listed as doubtful to play at Kansas City, They both have shoulder injuries. Steve Gregory is set to play for Hart and Jacob Hester is set to play for Tolbert for the third straight game. Linebacker Jyles Tucker is probable and he practiced fully Friday after being limited with a hamstring injury Thursday.

Posted by ESPN.com's Bill Williamson

• In Denver, No. 3 receiver Brandon Stokley practiced on a limited basis Thursday after he did not practice Wednesday. Stokley, unless he has a setback, will likely play Sunday at Carolina. Left cornerback Champ Bailey continued to be limited in practice. Denver coach Mike Shanahan said Wednesday that Bailey will try to work at full speed Saturday, which will determine whether he can against the Panthers.
• Fullback/linebacker Spencer Larsen didn't practice Thursday for the second straight day with a groin injury. Weakside linebacker D.J. Williams practiced fully for the second straight day. Williams has missed five games with a knee injury. He will likely play at Carolina if he doesn't suffer a setback.
• In Kansas City, tackle Damion McIntosh didn't practice Thursday because of an illness. Receiver Mark Bradley continued to be limited in practice with a calf injury. He missed the Denver game, but he is making some progress toward facing visiting San Diego on Sunday.
• In San Diego, safety Clinton Hart did not practice. He has a shoulder injury. He was limited in practice Wednesday so he is clearly not making progress. The same goes for fullback Mike Tolbert. He has missed two games with a shoulder problem. He didn't practice Thursday after working some Wednesday. Linebacker Jyles Tucker was limited Thursday because of a nagging hamstring injury.

Posted by ESPN.com's Bill Williamson

Oakland Raiders at San Diego Chargers, 8:15 p.m. ET Thursday

What's almost as frustrating as watching the San Diego Chargers fall just short week after week and seeing themselves fall out of the AFC playoff hunt?

Trying to explain why it's happening.

"We're not playing bad, I'll tell you that," San Diego linebacker Jyles Tucker said. "We're not bad. It's just trying to figure why those one or two plays always happen in a game. It's so frustrating to try to figure out why we are not winning because we are still a good team."

San Diego is 4-8. Four of the losses have come in the final minute. All eight losses are by a total of 34 points -- an average margin of defeat of just 4.5 points.

Close calls or not, the truth is San Diego is on the cusp of being knocked out of contention in the AFC West. The Chargers trail Denver (7-5) by three games in the division. If the Chargers lose to Oakland and Denver beats visiting Kansas City on Sunday, the Broncos will win the division.

The Chargers vow not to give up, though. They will fight against the Raiders. San Diego had to outscore Oakland 25-3 in the fourth quarter to secure a 28-18 win in Oakland in September, which turned out to be Lane Kiffin's final game as the Raiders' coach.

"You won't see this team give up," San Diego safety Eric Weddle said. "We'll be ready for Oakland and we'll stick together. And then we'll see what happens. That's all we can do at this point."

Posted by ESPN.com's Bill Williamson

Here is this week's four players to watch in the AFC West:

Champ Bailey, cornerback, Denver: The Broncos aren't positive Bailey will play Sunday against Oakland, but the chances are that he will try to get on the field. Bailey has been out since Oct. 20 against New England with a groin injury. He nearly played against Atlanta last week but the team didn't think he was ready. Bailey will continue to be brought back slowly, but there's a chance he does play Sunday as he gets ready for the stretch run in the AFC West.

Chris Johnson, cornerback, Oakland: Denver will be coming after Johnson on Sunday. Denver rookie sensation receiver Eddie Royal had nine catches against Oakland on opening day in Oakland. Royal destroyed cornerback DeAngelo Hall, and it was the beginning of the end for Hall in Oakland in his very first game there. Oakland ended up cutting him after eight games. Johnson, who has replaced Hall, will likely face Royal. Expect Denver quarterback Jay Cutler to target him. To his credit, however, Johnson has been decent in his two starts in Oakland.

Larry Johnson, running back, Kansas City: Johnson will be fascinating to watch the rest of the season. Kansas City gave him 19 carries Sunday in his first game back after sitting out four games as a punishment levied by the team and the league. Johnson was supposed to get 12-15 carries in his first game back. Even though Kansas City now runs a spread offense with quarterback Tyler Thigpen, there is still room for Johnson, and they showed that Sunday. He only had 67 yards, but this running back will get a chance to show he can be an impact player again for Kansas City against Buffalo on Sunday.

Jyles Tucker, linebacker, San Diego: Tucker, the replacement for superstar Shawne Merriman, is one of San Diego's best pass rushers. He had a sack Sunday as the Chargers regained their swagger with four sacks against Pittsburgh. Tucker is going to need to lead the way again Sunday against Indianapolis. This is a must-win game for the 4-6 Chargers. San Diego has to beat the Colts or its AFC West title hopes, which seemed like a foregone conclusion in the summer, we'll be all but dashed. Tucker needs to make Colts quarterback Peyton Manning uncomfortable for San Diego to have a chance. If the Chargers don't get a pass rush going, it could be a long night.

Posted by ESPN.com's Bill Williamson

	Christopher Hanewinckel/US Presswire
	San Diego's Antonio Cromartie  celebrates following a stop on a two-point conversion, sealing the Chargers' 20-19 victory over Kansas City.

SAN DIEGO -- Kansas City quarterback Tyler Thigpen was wondering aloud if the officials missed a penalty on a gutsy two-point conversion call by the Chiefs in the final seconds Sunday.

Many in the Kansas City locker room thought tight end Tony Gonzalez, Thigpen's first option on the play, was held up by a San Diego defender. After Gonzales got bottled up, Thigpen, who is improving steadily, backpedaled and threw a desperation ball that had no chance, giving San Diego a 20-19 victory.

And what was San Diego's response to Thigpen's claim that a penalty could have been called?

"Shut up, please," San Diego linebacker Jyles Tucker said. "That's the nature of football. You adjust. How many tough calls have we had on us all season, and [Sunday]?"

Had San Diego not been the victim of a questionable call, Kansas City may never have gotten to complain about the call on the two-pointer. On second down and 10 from the San Diego 18-yard-line with 46 seconds remaining, the officials called a late pass interference penalty on Chargers safety Clinton Hart, who appeared to cleanly break up a pass directed toward Gonzalez.

"I can't comment on that," Chargers coach Norv Turner said. "You guys saw it ... It's a possibly game-changing play."

The call gave Kansas City a first down at the San Diego 1. Three plays later, Thigpen hit Gonzalez for a 3-yard touchdown pass with 29 seconds remaining in the game.

Thigpen reasoned that the Chiefs probably weren't going to get two calls going their way at such a critical time.

"You always want to, at least, go up and say something to the ref," Thipgen said of the final play. "Not necessarily question his call, but at least try to ask him why not a penalty there. Then again, that puts a lot on the ref to call a flag on a two-point conversion. That's just the way it goes."

The sequence was a harrowing reminder of Week 2 for San Diego. With Denver driving in the final seconds inside the Chargers' 10-yard, the officials blew a call that should have been a Denver fumble. The Broncos then scored and won the game on a two-point conversion. Still, the Chargers weren't dwelling on the Denver disaster while Kansas City lined up for its two-point attempt.

"We had no time to think of Denver," Chargers safety Eric Weddle said. "We had to make a play."

The Chargers did, avenging some misery from Week 2. However, Kansas City, which has lost three consecutive winnable games, flew home Sunday night knowing it all could have been different. Chiefs holder Dustin Colquitt and kicker Connor Barth had a bad exchange on a PAT in the second quarter and the Chiefs had to settle for six points and a 13-6 lead.

After losing so many games they could have won this season, the Chargers improved to 4-5 and trail Denver by one game in the AFC West, winning a game they could have easily lost.

"This was a big one," Chargers linebacker Shaun Phillips said.

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