ESPN NFL

Continuing our 2012 AFC position-by-position rankings, here are the receivers. It’s a young, fairly unproven group that lost top players Vincent Jackson and Brandon Lloyd in the past year:

1. Dwayne Bowe, Kansas City: With Jackson gone, Bowe, who received the franchise tag by the Chiefs this offseason, is the clear top receiver in the division.

2. Malcom Floyd, San Diego: Floyd is good, but he probably wouldn’t be ranked this high in most divisions. If he can stay healthy, he can be a star.

3. Darrius Heyward-Bey, Oakland: I have a lot of respect for Heyward-Bey for taking a big step during the 2011 season. He still is not perfect and he has to prove he can be a consistent player, but he has a chance.

4. Demaryius Thomas, Denver: I bet Thomas will be ranked at least No. 2 on this list next year. The sky is the limit.

5. Eric Decker, Denver: Peyton Manning is already talking him up. You know what that means -- lots of catches.

6. Denarius Moore, Oakland: Moore showed flashes as a rookie and he has star potential. He will be given a chance to shine.

7. Robert Meachem, San Diego: Meachem is not as good as Jackson was, but he fits the Chargers’ vertical offense and he will make his presence felt.

8. Jon Baldwin, Kansas City: Baldwin has large potential and he easily could be in the top three on this list next year. He has to show he’s ready for the challenge.

9. Jacoby Ford, Oakland: I’m a big Ford fan, but his health and the presence of Heyward-Bey and Moore may make him a third option.

10. Vincent Brown, San Diego: The Chargers love this kid. Expect nice, big numbers this year.

11. Steve Breaston, Kansas City: He’s a solid, steady receiver who can help his team win.

12. Andre Caldwell, Denver: He will be interesting to watch. The Broncos think this free-agent pickup could make his presence felt.

13. Louis Murphy, Oakland: Murphy can’t stay healthy and other receivers may have bypassed him. But he’s a pro who knows how to come up with the big catch.

14. Eddie Royal, San Diego: The former Denver receiver will be given a chance to shine in the Chargers’ rotation.

15. Devon Wylie, Kansas City: This is a projection pick. The Chiefs love him and think he can come in and make some catches as a fourth-round pick.

Here are some highlights from our AFC West chat, which was held earlier Thursday:

Denver

Fred from Knoxville, Tenn.: Are the Broncos solid enough at their wide outs or do they need to add another good route runner?

Bill Williamson: They are pretty happy. A lot depends on Thomas and Decker taking the next step. They like Caldwell a lot as well. I could still see them taking a receiver fairly early in the draft and former Peyton Manning teammate Brandon Stokley is always a deep rotation possibility.

Kansas City

Steve from KCMO: Do you like the Chiefs additions this season? I think they are finally ready to go to the playoffs and make a deep run. What are your thoughts?

BW: Yes, no doubt. I like that team a lot. if Cassel can take advantage of his weapons, the defense takes the next step and the team continues to rally behind Crennel, I see a playoff team.

Oakland

Chris from Fargo ND: Hey Bill, do you see Wheeler making an impact in Oakland? Wimbley is a better pass rusher but if you take away his 4 sack game he really didn't have much of an impact in the sack department. Can Wheeler provide that same impact?

BW: Wheeler has said he looks forward to having a chance to rush the passer more, but he does not have Wimbley's pass-rushing ability. Wheeler will make more of an impact as a run stuffer, which is huge.

San Diego

Martin from Sweden: Your thoughts of the latest 'depth' addition to the chargers WR/PR group?

BW: I think it really runs four deep with Meachem, Floyd, Brown and Royal. If can they all stay healthy, I kind like the group. Rivers likes to spread the ball around.

The AFC West was the tightest division in the NFL in 2011.

The Broncos, Raiders and Chargers finished 8-8 with Denver prevailing as the division winner via a tiebreaker. Kansas City was a game behind at 7-9. The Chiefs were a blocked field goal attempt against Oakland in Week 16 away from winning the division.

Each team marches toward 2012 with hopes of winning the division. While there is still some work to do in terms of the draft, let’s play the “what if” game. Below is five ways each team in the division could win the AFC West in 2012 if certain things occur. Hat tip to the reader who suggested the idea:

Denver

If Peyton Manning is fully recovered from a neck injury that kept him out of the entire 2011 season: Manning’s health is the key to Denver’s entire season. The team and Manning think he will be fine. If he is, the Broncos will be in great shape.

If Demaryius Thomas develops into a true No. 1 receiver: The third-year player has potential and showed great flashes last season. Playing with Manning should spark his career.

If Denver gets a running mate for Willis McGahee: McGahee had a great season in 2011, but he was dinged up a lot and he needs some help. If Denver can draft a player such as Miami’s Lamar Miller, Boise State’s Doug Martin or Virginia Tech’s David Wilson in the second round, they should be in great shape.

If Denver improves at defensive tackle: The Broncos need some help at the position and it is their most pressing need. Watch for Denver to take a defensive tackle at No. 25 in the first round and that player needs to contribute right away.

If the change at defensive coordinator is smooth: With Dennis Allen now the head coach in Oakland, former Jacksonville head coach Jack Del Rio is Denver’s seventh defensive coordinator in the past seven seasons. This change could be seamless, though, because Del Rio has previously been a coordinator on John Fox’s staff, and Fox plays a major role as a defensive coach.

Kansas City

If quarterback Matt Cassel plays better than he did in 2011: Cassel took a step back last season after a strong 2010 season. Instead of replacing him, though, the Chiefs gave Cassel more weapons. He has everything a quarterback needs to succeed. Now, he has to be a success.

If the Chiefs’ injured stars are recovered from serious knee injuries: Running back Jamaal Charles, safety Eric Berry and tight end Tony Moeaki all suffered torn ACL’s in September. All are expected back. If they are all fully recovered, the Chiefs should be fine.

If the Chiefs get an impact defender in the first round: The Chiefs have a strong defense, but they can use another stud. Memphis defensive tackle Dontari Poe or Boston College inside linebacker Luke Kuechly would both be solid fits.

If Stanford Routt fits in the defense: The Chiefs opted to sign former Oakland cornerback Stanford Routt and let Brandon Carr walk. Kansas City thinks Routt will flourish as the No. 2 cornerback next to Brandon Flowers. If Routt struggles, the defense will suffer.

If Romeo Crennel’s late influence is intact: Crennel went from the interim coach to the permanent coach because he sparked the Chiefs in the final three weeks of the season. His team played very hard for him and went 2-1. Let’s see if the good vibes continue.

Oakland

If quarterback Carson Palmer adjusts to the West Coast offense: Palmer is both trying to re-energize his career and adapt to playing in a West Coast offense. The Raiders and Palmer believe it is a good fit.

If receivers Darrius Heyward-Bey, Denarius Moore and Jacoby Ford continue to develop: I think these three players have showed flashes. If they continue to develop, the Raiders will have a lot of firepower.

If running back Darren McFadden can stay healthy: McFadden has missed a total of 19 games in four NFL season and at least three games in all four seasons. He missed the final nine games of last season with a foot injury. With backup Michael Bush now in Chicago and Oakland sporting young backups, it is imperative the special McFadden stays healthy as much as possible in 2012.

If the defensive front can stay healthy: The Raiders’ defensive line is their best aspect of a defense in transition. It must stay healthy and be an anchor to the unit.

If rookie coach Dennis Allen can have fast success: At 39, Allen, who has just one year of experience as a defensive coordinator, is the youngest head coach in the NFL. He must prove quickly that he is up to the task.

San Diego

If quarterback Philip Rivers can avoid the interception bug: He threw a career-high 20 interception in 2011. Rivers threw a total of 22 interceptions in the previous two seasons combined.

If running back Ryan Mathews can take the next step: San Diego coach Norv Turner recently said he expects Mathews to have a breakout season in 2012, his third in the NFL. He has shown flashes, but he needs to be more consistent.

If the receivers, as a unit, can make up for the loss of Vincent Jackson: The Chargers like their receiving crew even after Jackson signed with Tampa Bay. San Diego added Robert Meachem and Eddie Royal, and already has Malcom Floyd and Vincent Brown. Jackson is a star and he will be missed, but the Chargers think they have made up for his loss by having a deeper rotation.

If the Chargers' defense can be better on third down: San Diego had the worst third-down defense in the NFL last season. Improving in that area is a point of emphasis for new defensive coordinator John Pagano.

If the Chargers can add an impact pass-rusher in the first round: The Chargers need a young pass-rusher to emerge. It will be their top priority with the No. 18 pick.

Here are some thoughts on the San Diego Chargers signing former Kansas City Chiefs' fullback Le'Ron McClain to three-year deal and on the team setting up a visit with Denver Broncos free agent receiver Eddie Royal:

• The McClain addition could be a sign that the Chargers are out of the Mike Tolbert talks. He is visiting in Kansas City. Tolbert wouldn’t necessarily be replacing McClain in Kansas City and the same could be true with McClain in San Diego. UT San Diego reported this week that practice squader Frank Summers would replace free agent fullback Jacob Hester. If Hester is brought back it would be as a backup and as a special teamer.
• McClain, who is a cousin of Oakland middle linebacker Rolando McClain, is a tough leader and a good blocker. He played in all 16 games last season as a Chief. He had 15 carries and 14 catches. The former Raven had 902 yards on 232 carries in Baltimore in 2008. But he has had a total of 89 carries in the past three seasons combined.
• Either way, McClain is a solid, tough addition to San Diego’s offense.
• As for Royal, I can see why San Diego is interested. It needs another receiver and the pickings are getting slim. Royal, who was reportedly close to signing with Washington to reunite with former Denver coach Mike Shanahan earlier in free agency, can help as a slot player and as a returner.
• Royal excelled under Shanahan as a rookie and I think Norv Turner would find a way to make him useful. A rotation of Malcom Floyd, Robert Meachem, Vincent Brown and Royal would be a pretty nice group for Chargers’ quarterback Philip Rivers to work with.

As soon as free agency began Tuesday afternoon, the Buffalo Bills had a plane waiting for New Orleans free agent receiver Robert Meachem.

The Bills flew him north and dined with him Tuesday night. The Bills had a full itinerary waiting for him Wednesday. Then, Vincent Jackson left the Chargers. All Buffalo bets were off.


With Jackson and several other receivers off the market quickly Tuesday, the San Diego Chargers -- who NFL.com reports showed late interest in Pierre Garcon before he signed with the Redskins -- went from showing no interest in Meachem early in free agency to becoming his most ardent pursuer. In addition to Buffalo, the Chargers blew away two other teams with a huge offer for Meachem.

And now the speedster is going to be Philip Rivers’ newest toy.

Meachem agreed to a four-year, $25.9 million deal with $14 million guaranteed in the first two years of the deal. The agreement came hours after Jackson signed with the Buccaneers for five years and $55.5 million.

There is no doubt Meachem is not as accomplished as Jackson and the Chargers would be best served to add another receiver in free agency. The best options are Brandon Lloyd, Laurent Robinson and Mario Manningham. They also could use their first-round pick on someone such as Notre Dame’s Michael Floyd. I think Lloyd could be an interesting option.

Pittsburgh's Mike Wallace would cost a first-round pick as a restricted free agent if the Steelers didn’t match a deal. I think the Meachem agreement ends that possibility. Perhaps San Diego could look at Oakland’s Chaz Schilens, who played at San Diego State. He’d fit the Chargers’ mold of big receivers.

Meachem does give the Chargers a terrific vertical threat. He has 4.3-second speed in the 40-yard dash. He will be a good fit with Rivers and No. 2 starter Malcom Floyd, who also is a field stretcher. Like Floyd, Meachem has had some durability issues. Vincent Brown likely will be the No. 3 receiver in his second season.

Meachem had 40 catches for 620 yards last season for the Saints, where he often was lost in a strong receiving crew. Meachem, the Saints’ first-round pick in 2007, had 129 catches and 20 touchdowns in the past three seasons, and has averaged 16.1 yards per catch in his career. There is no doubt Meachem has big-play flair and he will fit in Norv Turner’s system, but I still believe the Chargers need to add to their receiving crew.

UPDATE: I caught up with Matt Williamson of Scouts Inc. on Wednesday morning. Here are his thoughts on the Chargers’ day at receiver:

“Meachem isn’t Vincent Jackson. He is very talented, though, and I do think his most productive football might be in front of him. He also is a deep threat, which is absolutely key in San Diego’s deep passing attack. But, to me, there was only one No. 1 receiver on the market, and he just signed with Tampa Bay.”

This is not a good day in San Diego.

Vincent Jackson has walked away.

While there were indications in recent days that the Chargers were not prepared to match an enormous deal for Jackson, there has long been the thought that the Chargers -- who are heavily pursuing New Orleans’ Robert Meachem on Tuesday night -- couldn’t afford to let Jackson leave.

This is a critical offseason in San Diego and it has not started well. In addition to Jackson leaving, the Chargers saw longtime standout guard Kris Dielman retire because of a severe concussion he suffered last season, the team cut left tackle Marcus McNeill because of a neck injury and valuable running back Mike Tolbert is poised to visit AFC West rival Kansas City on Wednesday. The Chargers also have priority free agents in left tackle Jared Gaither and defensive tackle Antonio Garay. San Diego’s lone bright spot, thus far, was the re-signing of standout center Nick Hardwick on Tuesday to a three-year deal.

The Chargers must get better. They must do some things in free agency.

Owner Dean Spanos upset the fan base when he brought back coach Norv Turner and GM A.J. Smith in January.

Fans expected Spanos to show a commitment to them by getting better in free agency, and the Chargers still could get better.

But seeing Jackson leave is not going to convince the San Diego fan base the Chargers are truly committed to getting back to the playoffs for the first time since the 2009 season.

Jackson is a premier receiver and he was a great fit for quarterback Philip Rivers, who has to be wondering what is going on with his offensive line and receiving crew.

The Chargers gambled by not giving Jackson the franchise tag for a second year because it jumped to more than $13 million this season. He is averaging just more than $11 million per season with Tampa Bay. The Chargers took a shot at Jackson, but they likely never got close to what Tampa Bay offered.

Now, the Chargers have to go find a top receiver. The only receivers on the roster are No. 2 starter Malcom Floyd (who is injury prone) and second-year player Vincent Brown.

The free-agent class is drying up. The best options may be Brandon Lloyd, Meachem, Mario Manningham and Laurent Robinson. Meachem may soon sign with the Bills even though the Chargers are pushing for him. Robinson flourished in Dallas last season after not making the Chargers’ roster last September. I’m not sure any of those players will make anyone forget about Jackson. The Chargers, who badly need a top pass-rusher, may have to consider taking someone such as Notre Dame’s Michael Floyd with the No. 18 overall pick in the draft.

Here is one way I think the Chargers can regain the trust of fans, but it’s a long shot. They could step in front of Buffalo and sign monster pass-rusher Mario Williams and then sign Pittsburgh receiver Mike Wallace to an offer sheet the Steelers couldn’t match. The restricted free agent would cost the Chargers their first-round pick if he signed. But adding Williams (the best free agent on the market) and having Wallace replace Jackson would show San Diego’s fans the team is serious about getting better.

Again, don’t expect it to happen, but the Chargers must improve and getting creative may be necessary.

Now that San Diego coach Norv Turner and general manager A.J. Smith are returning to the team in 2012, let’s look at some things the Chargers have going for them and areas where change may be necessary.

What to build upon:

Quarterback Philip Rivers: This is an elite quarterback. Yes, he didn’t have his greatest season. Yes, he made crucial mistakes in all eight of the Chargers’ losses. But he is a player than can lead the Chargers deep into the playoffs. He finished the season strong and threw just three interceptions in the final six games.

Running back Ryan Mathews: Smith’s big trade to move up to get Mathews with the No. 12 pick in 2010 looked to be a good decision in Mathews’ second season. He ran for 1,091 yards and averaged 4.9 yards per carry. Mathews should only get better and offer the Chargers’ offense great balance.

The trio of Vincent Jackson, Malcom Floyd and Antonio Gates: It was no shock that Rivers settled down when his three receiving weapons were healthy together late in the season. If these players (Jackson is a free agent and he may be franchised) can stay healthy next year, the Chargers will be in great shape.

Changes may be needed:

Defensive coordinator: Don’t be surprised if defensive coordinator Greg Manusky is fired. I know there was some disappointment in San Diego over the unit’s lack of success under Manusky. The Chargers were the No. 1 ranked defense in the NFL last year under Ron Rivera, who was hired as the head coach in Carolina. Manusky didn’t get the same results as Rivera did and I could see change. I know San Diego’s players like secondary coach Steve Wilks and he could be a possibility. Another option could be Miami defensive coordinator Mike Nolan.

Offensive line: With plenty of needs on defense, San Diego may have to use some resources on the offensive line. Guard Kris Dielman, tackle Marcus McNeill and center Nick Hardwick all may consider retirement. There is a chance all three players will return, but the odds are the Chargers are facing some change on the line. One potential solution is re-signing tackle Jared Gaither, who shined after being claimed off waivers from Kansas City.

Front-line help: This is the year the Chargers need to open up their pocket book. It is not Smith’s way to do much in free agency. That may need to change this year. The Chargers’ roster needs some fine tuning and spending for reliable help may be the answer whether it was Smith’s past philosophy or not. This is a do-or-die year in San Diego, so a change in philosophy may be needed.

The San Diego Chargers will have star receiver Vincent Jackson available as they try to keep their playoff hopes alive Saturday at Detroit.

Jackson is active after not practicing all week with a groin injury. There was concern he wasn’t going to be able to play. Jackson is paramount to San Diego’s offense, which has been surging for the past three games, in which it has outscored opponents by a combined score of 109-38.

San Diego’s offense has dealt with many injuries this season, but it has been clicking in recent weeks with players like Jackson, receiver Malcom Floyd and tight end Antonio Gates healthy. After struggling for the first 10 games, Philip Rivers has flourished for the past month with a healthy receiver crew.

Jackson has 56 catches for 1,036 yards and eight touchdowns. He is 13 catches, 132 yards and two touchdowns from establishing new career highs.

Just as Philip Rivers had all his top receiving options healthy, a potential problem arises.

Star receiver Vincent Jackson did not practice all week with a groin injury and he is listed as questionable to play Saturday at Detroit. The team is worried he may miss the game, although the final decision will be made at game time.

The Chargers are fighting to stay alive in the playoff race. San Diego’s offense has dealt with many injuries this season, but it has been clicking in recent weeks with players like Jackson, receiver Malcom Floyd and tight end Antonio Gates healthy. After struggling for the first 10 games, Rivers has flourished for the past month with a healthy receiver crew.

Jackson has 56 catches for 1,038 yards and eight touchdowns. He is 13 catches, 132 yards and two touchdowns from establishing new career highs.

Meanwhile, linebacker Travis LaBoy is out for San Diego with a knee injury and defensive tackle Antonio Garay is questionable with a toe injury.

One player to watch from each AFC West team in Week 14:

Demaryius Thomas, receiver, Denver: Thomas has been known as a talent, but an injury-prone player since being the No. 22 overall pick last year. But Thomas showed his great potential by grabbing four passes for 144 yards at Minnesota last Sunday. If Thomas can build upon his big game this Sunday against Chicago, it will be a huge boost for Denver’s offense.

Justin Houston, linebacker, Kansas City: The rookie had three sacks Sunday in a victory at Chicago. The talented pass-rusher showed great pressure, and it will be interesting to see if he can build on that huge performance Sunday at the Jets.

Rolando McClain, middle linebacker, Oakland: McClain is still in the spotlight after his arrest last week in Alabama. The defensive signal-caller can help put himself in good graces by leading a strong effort as visiting Oakland takes on the runaway train that is the Green Bay Packers’ offense.

Malcom Floyd, receiver, San Diego: Floyd showed his importance to this offense Monday night in a 24-point win at Jacksonville, with four catches for 108 yards and a touchdown. After missing four games with a hip injury, Floyd deepens the Chargers’ offense and he has a good rapport with Philip Rivers. His health helps this team immensely.

A look at a night of revival for the San Diego Chargers:

What it means: The streak is over. The Chargers slapped around the Jaguars to end a six-game losing streak, the team’s longest in 10 years. San Diego is now 5-7 and tied with Kansas City in the AFC West. Both teams are two games behind Denver and Oakland, both 7-5.

The difference: The Chargers could have easily won all seven of their losses. But they made crucial mistakes late in games to blow it. San Diego coach Norv Turner told ESPN his team hadn’t been a “well-oiled machine.” Monday, the Chargers were the team we’ve been expecting to see all season. This was perhaps San Diego’s best overall game of the season.

Welcome back, Philip: San Diego quarterback Philip Rivers had his best game of the season. He was the typically aggressive Rivers who excelled with the deep pass. Rivers completed 22 of 28 passes for 294 yards with three touchdown passes. Most importantly, Rivers was not intercepted. Three days before his 30th birthday, Rivers showed he is still an upper-echelon quarterback.

Healthy weapons: It helped that he had healthy receiving options. Malcom Floyd was back after missing a month with a hip injury. Rivers hit Floyd, receiver Vincent Jackson and tight end Antonio Gates a combined 14 times for 250 yards and two touchdowns.

Injuries mount: The banged-up Chargers did not leave Florida without adding to their long injury list. Standout center Nick Hardwick and young linebacker Donald Butler both left the game for periods of time.

Is it enough to save jobs? Did the Chargers’ strong effort help coach Norv Turner save his job? No. The only way Turner likely stays is if the Chargers somehow make the playoffs — and their road is still very difficult with just a quarter of the season remaining. General manager A.J. Smith is also reportedly on the hot seat.

Gaither starts: Because of major issues on San Diego’s offensive line, newly claimed left tackle Jared Gaither started. He was waived by Kansas City last week. Rivers was not sacked — a great effort by a makeshift line.

Mathews looks good: San Diego second-year running back Ryan Mathews showed his great ability as he ran for 112 yards on 13 carries. He had a 31-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter.

Defense withstands pressure: The Jaguars took a 14-10 lead in the second quarter with touchdowns on consecutive drives. But San Diego’s defense buckled down and took the Jacksonville offense out of the game.

What’s next: The Chargers will try to keep the momentum going at home against the struggling Buffalo Bills on Sunday.

Denver Broncos star rookie linebacker Von Miller took another step toward not playing Sunday at Minnesota as he failed to practice for the second straight day. He had surgery Tuesday to repair ligaments in his thumb.

Miller suffered the injury Sunday at San Diego, but he finished the game and made a huge play near the end of overtime to help the Broncos. Denver coach John Fox didn’t shed much light on Miller’s status for Sunday against the Vikings.

“It’s in the medical people’s hands, and if they deem him ready to play, he’ll play. They’re working on all those things,” Fox told reporters Thursday. “Again, I’ll meet with the medical people. We’ll make that determination tomorrow.”

Perhaps this is a positive: Fox said Miller is in the process of getting medical protection gear. It will likely be in the form of a hard cast or hard splint. Wednesday, ESPN medical analyst Stephania Bell said Miller will likely be limited if he does play Sunday.

Miller has been outstanding and he has been the catalyst to Denver’s defensive revival, and he's the leading candidate to win the NFL defensive rookie of the year award. He has 10.5 sacks in 11 games.

Also for Denver, running back Willis McGahee (illness) and receiver Eddie Royal (toe) were both limited Thursday after not practicing Wednesday.

Meanwhile, the San Diego Chargers – who have lost six straight games – are getting healthier.

Linebacker Shaun Phillips (foot), receiver Malcom Floyd (hip) and guards Louis Vasquez (ankle) and Tyronne Green (hand) all practiced fully and are expected to play Monday night at Jacksonville barring setbacks.

However, tackle Brandyn Dombrowski remained out of practice with a foot injury. He is the seventh injured San Diego offensive lineman, and he was playing for Marcus McNeill at left tackle. McNeill was put on the injured reserve Wednesday. If Dombrowski can’t play, newly claimed Jared Gaither could be an option. He was claimed off waivers from Kansas City.

In Kansas City, starting offensive linemen Casey Wiegmann (finger) and Ryan Lilja (head) were limited in practice Thursday.

The Raiders’ injury issues are basically status quo.

The AFC West claim game continued for a second straight Wednesday and this one makes perfect sense.

The San Diego Chargers claimed tackle Jared Gaither off waivers from Kansas City. The Chiefs cut him Tuesday. Last week, it was the Chiefs claiming quarterback Kyle Orton off waivers from Denver.

As soon as Gaither was cut Tuesday, I thought it made perfect sense that he would end up in San Diego. The Chargers have lost six offensive linemen to injuries. To make room for Gaither, left tackle Marcus McNeill was put on the injured reserve with a neck injury he suffered against Oakland on Nov. 10. It had been expected for a while that McNeill likely wouldn’t return this year.

The San Diego Union Tribune reports the Chargers would like Brandyn Dombrowski to continue to replace McNeill. However, Dombrowski is dealing with a foot injury and he did not practice Wednesday.

Gaither can play both left and right tackle. At the very least, he will be a strong backup for the Chargers.

The Chargers may be finally regaining some healthy. The San Diego Union Tribune reported guards Louis Vasquez (ankle) and Tyronne Green (hand) practiced Wednesday for the first time in week as did starting receiver Malcom Floyd, who was out for several weeks with a hip injury.

SAN DIEGO -- As expected, San Diego’s offensive line is a mess.

Starters Marcus McNeill (neck) and Louis Vasquez (ankle) are out for the second straight game. San Diego is also missing guard Kris Dielman, who is out for the year because of a concussion. Backup guard Tyronne Green is also out with a hand injury. Undrafted rookie Steve Schilling and newly signed Tony Moll are expected to start at guard. Brandyn Dombrowski will start for McNeill.

Receiver Malcom Floyd remains out with a hip injury. Rookie Vincent Brown will start for him. Linebacker Shaun Phillips is active for the first time in a month after being out with a foot injury.

Denver’s inactive list doesn’t feature any surprises.

In other AFC West nuggets:

Rookie receiver Denarius Moore (foot) and running back Taiwan Jones (hamstring) are among Oakland’s inactive players against Chicago. Receiver Darrius Heyward-Bey is active. He had a neck injury.

ESPN is reporting that Detroit defensive lineman Ndamukong Suh is expected to be suspended at least two games for his actions Thursday against Green Bay. The Lions play at Oakland on Dec. 18 and they host San Diego on Dec. 24.

ESPN is reporting that the agent of receiver Terrell Owens said there is one team that is very interested in signing Owens. I don’t see any natural fits with any of the AFC West teams at this point.

ESPN Stats & Information has some keys to Sunday’s Denver-San Diego game.

The San Diego Chargers got good injury news when running back Ryan Mathews practiced fully for the first time this week with a knee injury. He is probable to play Sunday against the Denver Broncos. San Diego linebacker Shaun Philips is listed as questionable to play Sunday. He has been out for several weeks with a foot injury. He is expected to play in passing situations Sunday.

As expected, receiver Malcom Floyd (hip) and tackle Marcus McNeill (neck) have been ruled out of the game. Guard Louis Vasquez (ankle) and key backup Tyronne Green (hand) are doubtful. Denver doesn’t have any major injury concerns.

For the Oakland Raiders, receiver Jacoby Ford (foot), running back Darren McFadden (foot) and defensive end Jarvis Moss (hamstring) have been ruled out of Sunday’s home game against the Chicago Bears. All three were expected to be out.

Oakland has several players who are questionable to play, including receiver Darrius Heyward-Bey (neck), defensive lineman Richard Seymour (knee), receiver Denarius Moore (foot), safety Michael Huff (ankle), defensive end Lamarr Houston (knee) and running back Taiwan Jones (hamstring). The Oakland Tribune reports that Heyward-Bey has a better chance to play than Moore.