According to the Chargers, Jackie Battle vaulted Ryan Mathews on the team's official depth chart because "he just started last week, so that's why he's there."
In other words, it's semantics. Although the Chargers' actions have officially gone beyond simple message sending, it's clear they're not on the verge of a sea change in the backfield. Battle's big week came against a non-competitive Chiefs team, and the 29-year-old spare part simply isn't talented enough to out-carry Mathews when games are on the line. Beat writer Michael Gehlken "wouldn't read into" the depth chart shenanigans, and believes it's "likely only a matter of time" before Mathews moves back ahead of Battle. However, Gehlken does expect Battle to remain involved in Week 5, perhaps as the goal-line back. That would be unideal for Mathews' fantasy value, but he's simply too talented not to re-emerge as a RB1, and soon. Mathews remains the top buy-low candidate in all of fantasy football.
Pierre Garcon (foot) was a full participant in Wednesday's practice.
As was LT Trent Williams (knee). It's confirmation Garcon didn't suffer any setbacks in his Sunday return, where he played 50 snaps.
Kenny Britt (ankle) was limited in Wednesday's pratcice.
Britt participated in individual drills, but coach Mike Munchak said he still needs some work. It doesn't bode particularly well for Britt's Week 5 prospects, but the Titans are "hopeful" he'll suit up against the Vikings
Rashard Mendenhall (knee) was a full participant in Wednesday's practice, and "believes" he'll make his 2012 debut against the Eagles.
Mendenhall has gotten in "full" practices several Wednesdays running, but this is the first week he appears to be going genuinely full bore. The Steelers have been targeting Week 5 for his return all along. We expect Mendenhall to start, but to still cede plenty of carries to Isaac Redman and Jonathan Dwyer as he works his way back to full speed.
Jake Locker (shoulder) has been officially ruled out for Sunday, and coach Mike Munchak is "uncertain" of his status beyond Week 5.
Matt Hasselbeck will be under center against the Vikings
Torrey Smith was listed on Wednesday's injury report with an ankle issue, but got in a full practice.
Smith tweaked his ankle near the end of last Thursday's win over the Browns, but it shouldn't be an issue against the Chiefs.
In other words, it's semantics. Although the Chargers' actions have officially gone beyond simple message sending, it's clear they're not on the verge of a sea change in the backfield. Battle's big week came against a non-competitive Chiefs team, and the 29-year-old spare part simply isn't talented enough to out-carry Mathews when games are on the line. Beat writer Michael Gehlken "wouldn't read into" the depth chart shenanigans, and believes it's "likely only a matter of time" before Mathews moves back ahead of Battle. However, Gehlken does expect Battle to remain involved in Week 5, perhaps as the goal-line back. That would be unideal for Mathews' fantasy value, but he's simply too talented not to re-emerge as a RB1, and soon. Mathews remains the top buy-low candidate in all of fantasy football.
Pierre Garcon (foot) was a full participant in Wednesday's practice.
As was LT Trent Williams (knee). It's confirmation Garcon didn't suffer any setbacks in his Sunday return, where he played 50 snaps.
Kenny Britt (ankle) was limited in Wednesday's pratcice.
Britt participated in individual drills, but coach Mike Munchak said he still needs some work. It doesn't bode particularly well for Britt's Week 5 prospects, but the Titans are "hopeful" he'll suit up against the Vikings
Rashard Mendenhall (knee) was a full participant in Wednesday's practice, and "believes" he'll make his 2012 debut against the Eagles.
Mendenhall has gotten in "full" practices several Wednesdays running, but this is the first week he appears to be going genuinely full bore. The Steelers have been targeting Week 5 for his return all along. We expect Mendenhall to start, but to still cede plenty of carries to Isaac Redman and Jonathan Dwyer as he works his way back to full speed.
Jake Locker (shoulder) has been officially ruled out for Sunday, and coach Mike Munchak is "uncertain" of his status beyond Week 5.
Matt Hasselbeck will be under center against the Vikings
Torrey Smith was listed on Wednesday's injury report with an ankle issue, but got in a full practice.
Smith tweaked his ankle near the end of last Thursday's win over the Browns, but it shouldn't be an issue against the Chiefs.