The Chargers have 17 players who aren't expected to play against the Vikings in Friday’s preseason game. QB Philip Rivers and TE Antonio Gates are healthy but will sit out. Fifteen others are recovering from injuries of varying degrees of severity and will also not play.
Coach Norv Turner said he's resting Rivers to allow backup QB Charlie Whitehurst an opportunity to get a start on the road.
Preventing an injury is likely the more pressing reason for Rivers not to play. Three-fifths of their starting O-line will also not play. LT Jared Gaither (back spasms) and C Nick Hardwick (concussion) and LG Tyronne Green (foot) are out. They will be replaced by LT Mike Harris (undrafted, UCLA), LG Rex Hadnot (free agent, Cardinals) and C David Molk (round seven 226th overall pick).
CB Shareece Wright, who had two turnovers (INT & FF) against the Cowboys on Saturday, will also not play. Wright tweaked his left hamstring in practice Monday and was a game-time decision. CB DeAndre Presley (undrafted, Appalachian State) will likely get the start at nickelback in place of Wright.
Chargers not playing against Vikings: RB Curtis Brinkley (general strain), DT Garrett Brown (foot), WR Vincent Brown (broken ankle), G-T Brandyn Dombrowski (foot, cyst), TE Gates (no injury), CB Marcus Gilchrist (hamstring), DT Antonio Garay, (foot), G Green (foot), C Hardwick (concussion), RB Ryan Mathews (broken clavicle), QB Rivers (no injury), TE Dante Rosario (unknown), WR Eddie Royal (leg, just returned to practice), S Darrell Stuckey (unknown), G Johnnie Troutman (pectoral), ILB Demorrio Williams (unknown) and CB Wright (hamstring).
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