Chargers running back Mike Tolbert defended teammate Vincent Jackson on Monday, saying the wide receiver got hurt in practice last week and didn't fake an injury in his first game back following a contract dispute.
Jackson started Sunday night's victory at Indianapolis but limped off the field after two plays with a strained right calf.
"I've played with him for two, going on three years now. I mean, he has so much heart that if he could play with it, he would," Tolbert said. "I saw him when he did it in practice a couple of days ago. It didn't look good but he was still out there trying to fight through it. Actually, some of the coaches had to tell him to calm down.
"Luckily we didn't need him yesterday, but there's going to come a point in time when we will and he'll be ready," said Tolbert.
Agent Neil Schwartz confirmed that Jackson got hurt in practice late last week.
"It's totally absurd that he would fake an injury," Schwartz said.
May 2010 - Los Angeles Chargers Wiretap
Vincent Jackson's Return Lasts Two Plays
Vincent Jackson's return to the Chargers lasted just two plays on Sunday night against the Colts.
Jackson sat out the first seven games of the season due to a contract dispute and the last three while serving a suspension.
He started the game against Indianapolis and was on the sideline for good by the time the Chargers took their third snap.
The Chargers explained the departure as a "calf injury."
Gates Sore After Limited Practice
Chargers tight end Antonio Gates was sore after practicing on Thursday in a limited role.
Gates has missed the last two games because of a torn plantar fascia in his right foot.
He said earlier in the week that he wanted to practice in order to gauge whether or not he would be able to face the Colts on Sunday night.
"I wanted to see how I would respond to defenders being in the way and making unexpected cuts in the flow of a route," Gates said. "Everything has been controlled to this point. I didn't finish, but I'm incredibly sore."
Chargers Officially Add Jackson To Roster
The Chargers have officially added wide receiver Vincent Jackson to their active roster.
San Diego cut kicker Kris Brown to make room for Jackson.
Jackson signed with the Chargers Oct. 29, ending a contract impasse.
"I'm excited to get Vincent back," head coach Norv Turner said. "I think the fact that he's had three good weeks of practice to get ready, that he's gonna be ready to go play at a high level."
Crayton Suffers Dislocated Wrist
Chargers wide receiver Patrick Crayton is expected to miss significant time after dislocating his wrist on Monday night, according to a source.
He is scheduled to undergo an MRI on Tuesday to help determine whether he will be able to play again this season.
Crayton caught three passes for 105 yards and scored his first touchdown of the season in San Diego's win.
Gates, Mathews Sit Out Practice
Chargers tight end Antonio Gates and running back Ryan Mathews sat out the team's practice on Friday and could miss Monday's battle with the Broncos.
"I doubt a guy can improve enough in two days to be healthy enough to play on a Monday night," coach Norv Turner said of Mathews. "... If he improves dramatically I would consider playing him."
Gates, suffering from a torn plantar fascia in his right foot, is likely to miss his second straight game after sitting out Sunday against Houston.
Minority Stake In Chargers For Sale
Chargers owner Alex Spanos is looking to sell a minority stake to help with estate planning.
The 87-year-old Spanos and his wife, Faye, own 36 percent of the team. Their four children each own 15 percent. Two minority owners own the other 4 percent.
"To be clear, this is a sale of a minority stake only; the Spanos family will continue to hold a controlling majority stake in the team under all circumstances," attorney Mark Fabiani said.
Gates Hopes To Face Houston
Chargers tight end Antonio Gates still hopes to face the Texans on Sunday despite a toe injury.
Gates is listed as doubtful on San Diego's injury report and no player with that designation has played for the team this season.
Missing Sunday's game would mark the first time Gates has sat out in his NFL career.
"I know it sounds like a tape recorder," Gates said. "We just have to wait to see how I feel."
Gates Doubtful With Toe Injury
Chargers tight end Antonio Gates is doubtful for Sunday's game against the Texans because of a toe injury.
Gates has been playing with the toe injury but this week must have had some setbacks.
He has 40 catches for 663 yards and nine touchdowns this season.
Chargers Have Best Scout Team WR In NFL As Jackson Plays Johnson
The Chargers will have one of the best scout team receivers in the game for the next few weeks, as Vincent Jackson is not eligible to play until Nov. 28th when they travel to Indianapolis.
Jackson suited up as Texans star Andre Johnson in practice.
?Another beast playing a beast,? Quentin Jammer said with a laugh. ?He got out there and gave us a good look on what we?ll see out of Johnson."
Gates Injured Again In Sunday's Game
Antonio Gates has been brilliant this season, but also banged up.
Bills Claim Shawne Merriman
Tampa Bay and Miami tried to claim Merriman as well.
Source: Chargers Waive Shawne Merriman
The Chargers waived veteran linebacker Shawne Merriman on Tuesday.
Young, Britt Hurt In Loss To Chargers
Vince Young reinjured the left ankle that kept him out of Tennessee's Week 7 win over Philadelphia.