The Chargers continue to tweak their pass defense after losing Pro Bowl LB Shawne Merriman to a knee injury.

Instead of that role falling on Jyles Tucker, the Chargers will continue a rotation of players -- and sending them from various directions to attack the quarterback.

The Chargers used the blitz more last game; Tucker was helped by Marques Harris and defensive backs being sent at Brett Favre.

Look for the Chargers to cut loose and attack JaMarcus Russell, especially if the offense gives the defense an early lead, which forces Russell to pass.

PLAYER NOTES

--C Nick Hardwick (foot) is expected to make his first start of the season. He was slow to return after undergoing offseason foot surgery.

--LT Marcus McNeill (neck) will make his second straight start after missing the first two games. McNeill said he needs to still knock the rust off his run-blocking.

--Darren Sproles returned to his punt-return duties against the Jets instead of Craig Davis. Sproles will likely remain in that role with LaDainian Tomlinson feeling better.

--WR Chris Chambers is making his contributions pay off. He has only six receptions, but four have gone for touchdowns -- no AFC receiver has more.

--Nate Kaeding leads all AFC kickers with 30 points.

GAME PLAN
If the Chargers can stop the run, they can keep one of the NFL's brightest offenses on the field. The Raiders are going to be bent on establishing the run by trying to lean on Darren McFadden. If they do that, they keep Rivers and Co., on the sidelines by chewing up the clock. If they don't run -- and RB Justin Fargas might not go with a groin injury -- they have to rely on a passing game still maturing under JaMarcus Russell. The Chargers' run defense showed some life in the win over the Jets, although New York ran but 13 times. Defensive tackle Jamal Williams needs to play to his Pro Bowl caliber and help get the ball back to the Chargers offense.

MATCHUPS TO WATCH
Chargers running game led by LaDainian Tomlinson, who in 14 games has rushed for 1,709 yards, vs. a Raiders run defense that could be missing DT Gerard Warren, who suffered a neck injury last week against the Bills. Tomlinson is feeling as good as he has since the season started, the painful toe injury fading into the past. The Chargers need to look to the past and remember how Tomlinson has tortured this franchise. The running game could get a lift with the return of Pro Bowl C Nick Hardwick. But the Raiders linebackers are athletic with Kirk Morrison -- a San Diego State alum who always seems to play well against the Chargers -- and Thomas Howard. But Tomlinson is frisky, and if he's fit, look out.

Chargers leaky coverage teams vs. a Raiders return game led by Johnnie Lee Higgins, who has a 29.7-yard kickoff return average. The Chargers gave the Jets too many short fields Monday by getting hit nearly 300 kickoff return yards. That has to improve or a Russell-led offense won't be required to mount lengthy drives -- something that can be a challenge for a young quarterback. But if the Raiders only have to go a short ways, their offense has a better shot at staying with the Chargers' high-octane version. So the special teams must come up big, and it's a tough challenge in Higgins, who has kickoff returns of 69, 58 and 42 yards. He also has a 20-yard punt return.

Chargers pass protection, with the return of C Nick Hardwick, vs. the Raiders' pass rush, which has eight sacks in its last two games. Philip Rivers was seldom even touched last week and he was able to carve up the Jets secondary. His pass protection figures to get better with Hardwick (foot) starting for the first time this year. He can bark out the blocking assignments before what could be a lively Raiders crowd. Plus, LT Marcus McNeill is in his second game and should be better, although he graded well last week.

INJURY IMPACT
RB LaDainian Tomlinson (toe) didn't practice but that isn't a surprise with the short week. He'll go Sunday.

TE Antonio Gates (toe) didn't practice but he will play Sunday.

LG Kris Dielman (thigh) didn't practice but he will go against the Raiders. Dielman is among the toughest Chargers.

C Jeremy Newberry (knees) didn't work and he'll likely continue to rest. Starter Nick Hardwick is coming back this week and they have pushed Newberry and his two banged-up knees along to get to this point.

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