McMahon Feeling Better, and So Are Chargers

SAN DIEGO — Quarterback Jim McMahon sprang a pleasant surprise on the Chargers Wednesday.

Actually, McMahon surprised even himself. Despite shoulder, knee and ankle injuries that had put his status in serious doubt, he took part in the Chargers’ workout and said he would play against the New York Giants Sunday at San Diego Jack Murphy Stadium.

“I did more than I thought I would today,” McMahon said. “I’m sore, but I’ve played with worse.”

Asked if he would be ready Sunday, he said, “Uh-huh.”

Backup David Archer took most of the snaps, but McMahon ran enough plays to convince both himself and Coach Dan Henning that he would be able to face the Giants.

“Our quarterback situation is more stable than it was yesterday,” Henning said.

Asked if he was surprised to see McMahon practice, the coach said, “Yes, I was. I thought he would have more discomfort throwing the ball than he did. After today, there’s no question that he’ll start. Finishing will be the key.”

Rookie Billy Joe Tolliver also worked out for the first time since suffering a broken collarbone in the last exhibition game, and Henning said he might be activated from the injured reserve list for Sunday’s game.

“I won’t know about Billy Joe until Saturday, when all the injury business is clear,” Henning said. “I have to wait because other positions are more critical right now. We have so many people hurt that if Billy Joe is active, we may be down to 17 offensive players.”

H-back Rod Bernstine (knee), wide receiver Quinn Early (knee) and running back Dana Brinson (neck) all are listed as questionable. Henning said Bernstine and Early probably wouldn’t play and that Brinson would be limited to a backup role at best.

McMahon also is listed as questionable but doubtless will be upgraded to probable in Friday’s injury report.

Offensive tackle Joel Patten (knee) is listed as probable, but Henning said, “The jury is out on him.” The two other probables, offensive tackle Brett Miller (neck) and wide receiver Darryl Usher (knee), are expected to be ready.

McMahon, who had been playing with sore ribs and a sometimes-aching back, suffered his latest batch of injuries here Sunday in the Chargers’ 17-16 loss to Seattle.

“I noticed the way he was carrying his left shoulder today,” Henning said. “He kept it close to his side, so I know there’s soreness there.”

Henning was asked if McMahon would play if he was still favoring his left side Sunday.

“If the game comes up, and Jim thinks he can play, he’ll play,” Henning said.

McMahon acknowledged that his shoulder presented the biggest problem.

“There’s some soreness in it,” he said. “There’s also a little swelling in the knee, but the ankle feels pretty good.”

Why did McMahon work out instead of giving his wounds an extra day to heal?

“Why not?” he said. “You can’t accomplish much by standing around. I was just getting the feel of it.”

Of his return after six weeks of inactivity, Tolliver said, “I felt like my feet weighed 50 pounds apiece, like I had lead weights on them. And my mind was racing a mile a minute.”

Charger Notes

Darrin Nelson, former Minnesota Vikings running back who was acquired Tuesday from the Dallas Cowboys, reported to the Chargers and worked out. He had refused to join the Cowboys after being traded by the Vikings last week and said, “For a couple of days I didn’t know if I’d play anymore, but now I’ve got a new outlook on life.” Coach Dan Henning said, “I hope he’s ready to be in there on some possession-type downs, even though he’s going to be a little tentative.” Asked if he could pick up the Chargers’ system in time, Henning said, “Well, he went to Stanford.” . . . The Giants issued a brief injury report: wide receiver Stephen Baker (ankle) and offensive tackle Damian Johnson (back), both questionable. . . . The Chargers projected ticket sales of 51,000 for Sunday (capacity is 60,750), so again the game will be blacked out locally. They haven’t had a sellout since Nov. 29, 1987, for Denver.