Chargers Activate Tight End Winslow for Sunday’s Game Against Minnesota

As expected, the Chargers announced Friday that tight end Kellen Winslow has been activated for Sunday’s game against the Minnesota Vikings.

It isn’t known how much Winslow will play, but he will be in uniform for the first time since suffering a devastating knee injury last season against the Los Angeles Raiders.

Winslow, who returned to practice last week, was restored to the active roster Friday, along with rookie defensive back Terry Lewis, who had also been sidelined with a knee injury. To make room for them, the Chargers waived defensive back Jim Rockford and running back Anthony Steels.

The Chargers now have four active tight ends--Winslow, Eric Sievers, Pete Holohan and Chris Faulkner. Faulkner also is being groomed as an interior lineman.

Coach Don Coryell said it’s possible wide receiver Wes Chandler will be able to play some against the Vikings, but it now appears quarterback Dan Fouts likely won’t return until next Monday night against the Raiders. Chandler missed last week’s game after suffering a cut to his ankle, while Fouts has been out three weeks with a knee injury.

Winslow has been running well in practice and catching passes with his customary skill. His knee has been pronounced medically sound by team physicians, and the only question concerns his mental outlook.

Winslow has declined to be interviewed in recent weeks, leaving others to speak for him. Al Saunders, the receiver coach, said the player’s knee is as strong or stronger than ever, but Winslow still must accept that it’s going to be the target of every defensive player on the field.

“Kellen has worked extremely hard,” Saunders said. “He runs extremely well in practice against air (meaning no contact with defenders). The problem is, it does take some time to come off an injury as serious as the one he had. If you remember, there were some people who wondered if he’d ever be able to play again.

“He just needs confidence his knee will hold up with 11 guys taking shots at him. He may be the best ever at his position, but in terms of the healing process, he is a real, flesh-and-blood person, and he has to be totally confident about the idea of getting tackled.”

There was a report this week, denied by Coryell, that the Chargers were growing impatient for Winslow to return. For better or worse, his return will become fact Sunday at the Metrodome.