Tucker, who had three sacks in a game last year against the Raiders, has plenty of promise. But make no mistake, this is a considerable drop-off from a healthy Merriman -- not the one limping around on Sunday.

Hopefully, Tucker can hold up as he became dehydrated in the San Diego last week. If Tucker needs a blow, the team will insert another undrafted player in Marques Harris.

Look for OLB Shaun Phillips to also be moved around to come off both edges at various times.

In other news, Merriman went on IR and was replaced by linebacker Antwan Applewhite. His place on the practice squad was filled by linebacker Eric Bakhtiari, who was with the Chargers in camp.

PLAYER NOTES

--ILB Matt Wilhelm is getting roasted for his game on Sunday. Wilhelm looks to rebound after being pummeled by some run blocks and not knocking down the final pass, which was the game winner.

--Is CB Antonio Cromartie too wrapped up in his stated goal to set an NFL record with 15 interceptions this year? Cromartie, who led the league with 10 last year, was on occasion going for picks instead of playing straight up on his man on Sunday.

--C Nick Hardwick appears to be getting closer to returning. He could start practicing in the next week or so.

--DT Jamal Williams will hopefully have knocked off his rust and will contribute more on Sunday. Williams, a Pro Bowler, didn't look like his usual self against the Panthers. The Chargers are crossing their fingers his aching knees can handle another full season.

--The Chargers need to stretch the field more Sunday and Chris Chambers' numbers from last week tell the story. He had but one catch, although it was for 44 yards and a touchdown.

GAME PLAN: Go, L.T., go! The Chargers figure to give the Broncos a heavy heaping of LaDainian Tomlinson. While the Broncos run defense showed some life against the dreadful Raiders on Monday night, Oakland got so far behind that it had to abandon the run -- and it still got 150.

The Broncos were 30th in the NFL last year in trying to stop the run and until they prove they have shored that up, the team with the NFL's best back should stick the ball in his gut.

Plus, Philip Rivers had trouble getting the ball to the outside as the wideouts had but four catches in the loss to Carolina. If Tomlinson can get going, that could loosen up the Broncos so Rivers can occasionally go over the top.

But it depends on establishing the run, and the Chargers have to prove as well this patchwork offensive line can do just that.

MATCHUPS TO WATCH: Chargers OLB Jyles Tucker, in his first NFL start, vs. Broncos rookie LT Ryan Clady. Tucker not only carries the pressure of being thrust into the starting lineup but also trying to replace a Pro Bowler in Shawne Merriman. Clady held up well in Monday's opener and will enter the game with a dose of confidence. Look for Tucker and Shaun Phillips to flip sides on occasion, giving the veteran Phillips a few shots at Clady.

--Chargers QB Philip Rivers and the team's passing game vs. Broncos pass defense that includes CBs Champ Bailey (42 career interceptions) and Dre' Bly (38 career picks). They are clearly among the best tandems in the NFL. Bailey has been selected for eight straight Pro Bowls. The only cornerback in NFL history to play in more Pro Bowls is Hall of Famer Mike Haynes (nine). Rivers was under duress for much of the early part of Sunday's game and it doesn't figure that will change greatly with three starters along the offensive line who weren't in last year's opening-day lineup. If Rivers is pestered and has to hurry the ball -- plus his players getting off the ball slower because of the noise -- that could lead to some interceptions by Bailey and Bly.

--Chargers secondary vs. a Broncos passing game that gets a boost with the return of standout WR Brandon Marshall. This is worth watching as the defensive backs' best friend -- Shawne Merriman -- won't be in there to get after quarterbacks. If the Chargers can't find someone else to supply the pressure -- and they had but one sack last Sunday -- it could compute into a long day for the defense's back end. It's critical the Chargers scheme a way to get to Jay Cutler or he could carve up the secondary. In three previous starts against the Chargers, his high passing total is 232 yards.

INJURY IMPACT: CB Antonio Cromartie (hip) didn't work but he should play on Sunday.

--RB LaDainian Tomlinson (toe) didn't work Thursday but is expected to play Sunday.

--C Nick Hardwick (foot) did some limited work. Jeremy Newberry replaces him.

--LT Marcus McNeill (neck) is still limited to working on the side with the strength coaches. He hopes to return to practice next week.

--TE Antonio Gates (toe) will play on Sunday, although he was limited in his work on Thursday. He is nursing a sore hip as well.