San Diego Chargers

Elsewhere around the NFL:

Washington:  Redskins RB Clinton Portis (ankle) returned to a limited practice Saturday and will start on Monday Night Football against the Eagles. Portis does not have a good matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles and alternatives should be considered.

Philadelphia:  Eagles WR Kevin Curtis is out indefinitely after undergoing surgery on his troublesome knee. Coach Andy Reid indicated that the surgery was not “extensive,” which probably means only a routine scope was done. Curtis has already lost his starting spot to rookie Jeremy Maclin.

Detroit:  Lions WR Calvin Johnson (knee) was spotted on the Detroit Lions practice field Friday still walking with an “obvious” limp. At this point, it doesn’t appear that Johnson’s status for Week 8 appears very questionable.

Arizona:  Cardinals WR Anquan Boldin admits that he is dealing with a high ankle sprain, and was originally told by doctors that the injury would cost him 3-4 weeks. The team’s beat writers have frequently suggested this week that Boldin could be on a snap count. If you own Boldin in a fantasy league, now is the time to pick up Steve Breaston if he is still available.

Dallas:  Cowboys QB Tony Romo expects the recently demoted Patrick Crayton to bounce back and contribute to the offense. “To think he’s not going to be a major part of this offense is wrong,” said Romo. Don’t let Romo fool you, there is no question that Miles Austin is more talented than Crayton and he is the clear starter for the remainder of the season.

New York:  Jets WR Braylon Edwards (quadriceps) returned to a full practice Friday. Edwards will start this Sunday at Oakland Raiders and will receive the majority of targets due to the Jets injury issues at the WR position.

Pittsburg:  Steelers RB Rashard Mendenhall (knee) turned in another full practice Friday and will start Sunday against Minnesota.

More Trouble in Washington:

Washington Redskins RB Clinton Portis reportedly had a “heated verbal exchange” with starting fullback Mike Sellers earlier this week. Apparently, Portis has not been happy with Sellers blocking and requested that the fullback be removed from the game last week. No punches were exchanged, but the verbal confrontation had to be broken up by several players.

Jeremiah Trotter to Start Sunday:

Newly acquired MLB Jeremiah Trotter is expected to start at SLB on run downs against the Bucs this week. The Eagles are struggling to stop the run this year and Trotter is expected to make an immediate impact.

Jeremy Maclin will make his Second Straight Start on Sunday:

Philadelphia Eagles rookie WR Jeremy Maclin is expected to draw a second straight start for the Eagles. With incumbent starter Kevin Curtis hurt, Maclin is taking advantage of newly found playing time and is a threat to steal the starting WR spot in Philadelphia.

Eli Manning’s Status for Sunday Still Unknown:

Giants QB Eli Manning (plantar fascia) is expected to go for a “test drive” in practice Friday. Manning is known for having a high threshold for pain, but if practice does not go well on Friday look for David Carr to start in his absence. The Giants will host the Oakland Raiders on Sunday.

Felix Jones Ruled out This Sunday;

Dallas RB Felix Jones (knee) has reportedly been ruled out for Sunday’s game against the Chiefs. Jones has not practice since suffering a sprained left PCL in Week 3. Marion Barber will start Sunday, with Tashard Choice seeing his far share of touches.

Donovan McNabb will Start Sunday:

According to Eagles offensive coordinator Marty Mornhinweg, Donovan McNabb (ribs) will not be limited on Sunday by wearing a protective jacket. “It doesn’t look like he has any discomfort at all,” said Mornhinweg. “There will be no restrictions for him.” McNabb should be starting in most fantasy leagues as he has a favorable matchup this week against the Bucs.

Willie Parker Remins the Starter in Pittsburg;

According to Pittsburg Steelers offensive coordinator Bruce Arians, Willie Parker (turf toe) remains the starting running back when healthy. “Willie Parker’s a proven commodity,” Arians said. “When Rashard is (proven), then we’ll re-evaluate him. I hope it gets to that problem.” The Steelers continue to stand by their starter, but if Mendenhall continues to play well expect a change in Pittsburg.