The Chargers expected to be without inside linebacker Manti Te’o for Sunday’s game in Tennessee after listing the rookie as doubtful on Friday, but they were hoping that Donald Butler would be able to provide some strength at the position despite a groin injury.
Things haven’t broken San Diego’s way, however. Butler joins Te’o on the team’s inactive list, leaving them to start Reggie Walker and Bront Bird against the Titans. It’s a big dropoff from Butler and it is one that the Titans will likely try to exploit during Sunday’s game with both their running and passing games.
San Diego is also down a starter in the secondary. Cornerback Shareece Wright has a hamstring injury and joined Butler on the wrong side of a game-time decision. Johnny Patrick will start in Wright’s place with Richard Marshall and Crezdon Butler in reserve.
All of those defensive players will join right tackle D.J. Fluker on the sideline. As expected, Fluker is inactive on Sunday because of the concussion he suffered at practice this week. Mike Harris will start in his place.
UPDATE 1:00 p.m. ET: The Chargers apparently did not get the move to make Butler inactive in early enough to satisfy the NFL. Butler is “active,” but not expected to play while linebacker Tourek Williams is inactive despite being the healthier player.