The Chargers are reluctant to use Darren Sproles in that manner, hoping to preserve him for returns and swing passes in the flat. And neither Mike Tolbert nor Jacob Hester, another rookie, have won over the coaches with their running skills.

It'll be interesting to see if Bennett is up this week after being with the club such a short period of time. If he is, that really shows the Chargers' hand that they aren't happy with either of Tomlinson's backups.

PLAYER NOTES

--TE Antonio Gates could be the fastest player at his position to reach 50 touchdown catches, doing it in 87 games. Hall of Fame TE Jerry Smith has the mark, accomplishing it in 100 games.

--WR Vincent Jackson needs but three more receiving yards to surpass his career high of 623. Jackson has three scoring catches in the past four games.

--RB Darren Sproles is one of only two returners to be ranked in the top 10 in punt and kickoff returns. He is averaging 27.2 yards (fifth) on kickoffs and 11.4 (eighth) on punts.

GAME PLAN: The Chargers have talked much about establishing the run and it will become more critical this week. The reason is two-fold: it will engage LaDainian Tomlinson's skills more, while giving the running game a confidence boost, and more importantly, it will keep the pass rush off of Philip Rivers. The Chargers usually don't have any qualms about moving the ball through the air, but they would prefer the bulk of the yardage came on the ground to keep Rivers from being exposed to a baffling and effective pass rush. But that will be difficult against the NFL's No. 2-ranked run defense.

MATCHUPS TO WATCH: The Chargers' right side of the line in protecting Philip Rivers vs. a Steelers pass defense that can cause problems from that side. RT Jeromey Clary will earn his dough Sunday when trying to keep Rivers -- he leads the league with 21 touchdown passes -- upright. But Clary needs to be quick off the ball, and possibly have a blocking tight end on his hip, to slow DE Aaron Smith and OLB LaMarr Woodley. Veteran Mike Goff will also lend a hand to Clary, who makes his first NFL start in the din of Heinz Field. Clary must get off the ball without false starting, or Rivers could spend part of his day on his backside.

The Chargers passing game, with a healthier TE Antonio Gates, vs. a Steelers pass defense featuring All-Pro Troy Polamalu. Gates' game has taken off the past two contests as he has put his toe and hip injuries behind him. With Rivers expected to face a strong rush -- the Steelers have 34 sacks -- it's imperative Gates is available for the short routes if Rivers has to get rid of the ball quickly. But on some plays that will mean out-smarting Polamalu, who leads the Steelers with three interceptions.

Chargers pass defense, with cornerbacks Quentin Jammer and Antonio Cromartie vs. the Steelers' passing game, led by QB Ben Roethlisberger and WR Hines Ward. Jammer and Cromartie have to face the facts that the pass rush is invisible this year. That's too bad because Roethlisberger is banged up and could be compromised by a stiff rush -- something the Chargers haven't supplied since last year in the playoffs. So Jammer and Cromartie will have to stay with Ward and company that much longer on the downfield routes because it's more likely than not Roethlisberger will have time for his receivers to make double moves as he won't be concerned about taking a sack or being hurried from being under pressure.

INJURY IMPACT: WR Chris Chambers (ankle) was able to practice Thursday and should start on Sunday.

-- CB Antonio Cromartie (hip) was able to work and is a go for Sunday.

-- OLB Marques Harris (hamstring) didn't work and could be compromised on Sunday - if he suits up. Harris plays on passing downs.

-- WR Buster Davis (groin) didn't work and it's unlikely he will be active on Sunday.

-- CB Cletis Gordon (knee) will miss at least the next two weeks.

-- S Steve Gregory (neck) was limited and has a chance to play Sunday.

-- DT Jamal Williams was given a rest day and will start Sunday.