SAN DIEGO – For the first time this season, the San Diego Chargers could start the same five offensive linemen up front for consecutive games, gaining some cohesion and chemistry in a position group that relies on continuity.
“We’re going to move guys around,” Chargers head coach Mike McCoy said. “And whatever the best combination of five guys is week to week, we’ll evaluate that.”
Starting left tackle King Dunlap remains out with a concussion and left guard Orlando Franklin is still nursing an ankle injury.
If those two can’t go Monday against the Steelers, Chris Hairston and Kenny Wiggins would make their second straight starts at left tackle and left guard.
Starting center Chris Watt returned to practice on Thursday as a limited participant after missing last Sunday's game with a groin injury. However, reserve center Trevor Robinson played well in a victory over the Cleveland Browns in Week 4 and could get his second straight start as Watt works his way back into game shape.
“Trevor is outstanding,” Chargers offensive coordinator Frank Reich said. “We love Trevor. When he stepped in at the end of last year, we really realized that we had a winner. Philip [Rivers] has an extreme amount of confidence in him. He just understands the game, communicates things very fast, process things very quickly and his tough.
“He’s the right guy for the job.”
Starting right guard D.J. Fluker is still nursing an ankle injury and was a limited participant on Thursday. Joe Barksdale is on target to make his fifth straight start at right tackle.
Watt split time at right guard and center his rookie season last year and could serve as a backup for the interior of the offensive line if he’s not fully healthy and ready to start on Monday.
Starting safety Jahleel Addae returned to the field for the first time since suffering an ankle injury in a Week 1 victory over the Detroit Lions. Addae was a limited participant, along with cornerback Jason Verrett (foot).
Receiver Stevie Johnson (hamstring), linebacker Tourek Williams (foot), cornerback Craig Mager (hamstring) and returner Jacoby Jones (ankle) remain out.
Cornerback Brandon Flowers (concussion), receiver Malcom Floyd (concussion) and Hairston (ankle) were full participants.