DOUBLE DING: Word’s out that two more offensive lineman will be sidelined this weekend. Center Jeff Faine and left guard Shaun O’Hara reportedly will miss the San Diego game, though the team has yet to confirm their injuries. If true, that means Melvin Fowler will play center, and someone else (Beasley, DeMar or Gonzalez) will be making their first NFL start. Very, very scary, especially when you consider the possibility of any of the five linemen going down during the game.

As for the game plan, it might not be as easy for William Green to find holes, so this is the time to use the pass to set up the run. Focus on protection and exploit the Chargers’ young secondary, which has already surrendered 28 plays of 20 or more yards. I don’t think Couch would argue with that strategy.