Richard Listed as ‘Probable’

The Chargers have upgraded the status of safety Stanley Richard and have put Cedric Mack into the starting lineup at left corner.

Richard suffered a pinched nerve in his neck during the game against New Orleans and missed last week’s game with the Jets. Recent medical tests have reassured Richard that his neck is all right, and he has returned to practice.

Richard has been listed as “questionable” for Sunday night’s game with the Raiders, but Coach Dan Henning said Thursday, “I’d say he’s probable now. But I don’t know if we would start him. We’ve got Darren Carrington at safety now.”

Cornerback Gill Byrd, injured on the first play last week with an ankle injury, has been listed as questionable. Henning said Byrd has been unable to practice.

Donald Frank replaced Byrd in New York, but Frank played poorly and has been replaced in the team’s plans by Mack, who started 84 games for the Phoenix Cardinals before being placed on waivers.

The Chargers claimed Mack Aug. 20, but have kept him buried on their inactive list for much of the season.

“We want to see what Mack can do,” Henning said.

Safety Anthony Shelton is doubtful for the game because of a shoulder injury, but may avoid a stint on injured reserve if Richard and quarterback John Friesz (sprained ankle) recover.

Henning said that Friesz, who is listed as questionable, took a few snaps in practice. “But it was nothing to write home about,” Henning said.

The Chargers are still hoping that Friesz will be able to start against the Raiders. If Friesz or Richard suffer a setback, the team will add safety Floyd Fields or quarterback Jeff Graham to its roster and place Shelton on injured reserve.

Linebacker Henry Rolling has returned from an ankle sprain, but will continue to support starter Billy Ray Smith.