Goodman added to roster

SAN DIEGO – The Chargers signed receiver Richard Goodman to the active roster on Tuesday.

Goodman, a 6-foot, 192-pound rookie out of Florida State, had a productive training camp to make the practice squad.

He caught one pass for 12 yards during the preseason but made most of his plays on special teams as a returner and on kick coverage.

San Diego did not have to make a roster move Tuesday to activate Goodman. The team released cornerback Fred Bennett and safety C.J. Spillman on Monday as tackle Marcus McNeill became eligible for the active roster.

PROGRESS: Fourth-year receiver Buster Davis is approaching a career high in receiving yards and ranks third on the team with 12 receptions.

Davis, with 167 yards, caught a 49-yard deep ball against Seattle that set up a touchdown and nearly made a crucial fourth-quarter catch against the Raiders on Sunday before the defender ripped the ball from his grasp at the last instant.

“I’d like to get him to a point where he makes that play because he’s capable of making it,” said Head Coach Norv Turner, who’s voiced confidence in Davis and the receivers since May.

“Buster cares a lot about this. He’s been through a lot physically and he’s fought his way back. He’s going to be a real productive player for us.”

FEELING BETTER: An ankle injury has slowed first-round pick Ryan Mathews in his rookie season.

Injured against Jacksonville, Mathews missed the game in Seattle and has been on the injury report in each of the last two weeks.

But he rushed for a combined 114 yards on 18 carries against the Cardinals and Raiders and is getting healthier as well.

“He’s a little bit sore but not to the point where I think he gets on an injury report,” Turner said. “I hope he’s ready to go and carry more of the load. When he gets an opportunity he plays awfully well.”