The San Diego Chargers will get relief at the running back and linebacker positions this Sunday when they Chargers host the Oakland Raiders, thanks to the return of running back Ryan Mathews, and middle linebacker Manti Te’o, who were full participants at practice all week.
Mathews suffered an MCL sprain in week two against the Seattle Seahawks, and since his injury the Chargers have gone on to tie the Detroit Lions for lowest team yards-per-carry at 3.1.
San Diego has also had its struggles at middle linebacker, due to a tough start to the season from Donald Butler, who has struggled in coverage and tackling since signing an eight-year contract during the off-season. Before breaking his foot in week three against the Buffalo Bills, Te’o had racked up 19 total tackles, and was on pace to break his rookie tackle mark of 61 by a wide margin.
Rookie linebacker Jeremiah Attaochu was also a full participant at practice all week, and should provide a boost for the Chargers pass-rush — which has not recorded a sack in two games — while backing up starting outside linebackers Dwight Freeney and Jarrett Johnson
Safety Jahleel Addae is listed as questionable for Sunday, but was a full participant in practice on Thursday and Friday. Addae suffered a concussion against the Denver Broncos on Oct. 23, and has not played since.
Two players who will not be in action Sunday are starting nose-tackle Sean Lissemore, and rookie cornerback Jason Verrett. Lissemore suffered a quad injury in the team’s last game against Miami and is listed as doubtful, while Verrett is still nursing a torn labrum, which the team hopes he can avoid surgery on during the season.
Kickoff for Sunday’s game is scheduled for 1:05 p.m., and can be seen on CBS, as well as heard on Rock 105.3 FM.
Here’s a look at the official injury report per Chargers.com:
Addae, Jahleel S Concussion DNP FP FP Questionable Ajirotutu, Seyi WR Non-injury related DNP FP FP Probable Attaochu, Jeremiah OLB Hamstring FP FP FP Probable Freeney, Dwight OLB Non-injury related DNP FP FP Probable Lissemore, Sean NT Quad DNP DNP DNP Doubtful Mathews, Ryan RB Knee FP FP FP Probable Ohrnberger, Rich C-G Back LP FP DNP Probable Te’o, Manti ILB Foot FP FP FP Probable Verrett, Jason CB Shoulder DNP DNP DNP Out
