Chargers Sign QB Joe Dufek

The Chargers released Babe Laufenberg and signed Joe Dufek as their No. 3 quarterback Tuesday.

Dufek, a third-year pro, appeared in five games with Buffalo and completed 74 of 150 passes last season. He was released by the Bills earlier this year.

Laufenberg had been picked up from the Washington Redskins on Oct. 1 as insurance in case of injury to Mark Herrmann, who took over as the starter when Dan Fouts suffered a knee injury against Cleveland.

The Chargers were pleased with Herrmann’s play in a 31-20 win over Kansas City on Sunday, and are also encouraged about the possibility of Fouts returning to action as early as this week against the Minnesota Vikings.

There was no word Tuesday on the status of tight end Kellen Winslow, who could be activated in time for the Viking game. No decision on Winslow, who is nearly recovered from a year-old knee injury, will be made until later in the week.