RBs come out OK

SAN DIEGO – Ryan Mathews (calf strain) and Mike Tolbert (concussion) did not finish Sunday’s game in Denver.

Both are expected to be available Oct. 23 at the New York Jets.

“We have some guys that have been banged around pretty good,” Head Coach Norv Turner said. “I don’t see right now any one of the guys that played in the game yesterday being in jeopardy of missing the (Jets) game.”

Jacob Hester finished at tailback against Denver and rushed for a career-high 47 yards, but Turner called it likely the Chargers will activate four running backs for games going forward.

Turner expressed cautious optimism tight end Antonio Gates (foot) will play against New York and believes Jacques Cesaire (knee) also has a chance to return.

KUDOS: Randy McMichael became just the 27^th NFL tight end to reach 400 career catches Sunday, entering the bye with 402.

“It’s quite a milestone,” Turner said.

McMichael is the team’s fourth-leading receiver with 15 catches, but wore a plethora of hats against Denver, making two special teams tackles, playing a lead role in backfield pass protection and finishing the game at fullback.

FIRST TIME: Donald Butler picked off Kyle Orton on Sunday for his first-career interception.

“SP (Shaun Phillips) got some good pressure on the quarterback and was able to get him to throw a bad pass,” Butler said. “I was in the right place at the right time.”

NO REDUX: Eric Weddle had an interception go through his hands Sunday. It would’ve been his third consecutive game with a second-half pick.

Weddle, who’s never had a three-interception season, made it a focus this offseason after a few missed opportunities last year. The safety, though, said he won’t allow it to shake his confidence and feels there will be more opportunities soon if he keeps putting himself in good position.

“The old E-Dub showed his ugly face in the game,” Weddle said. “I can’t let it affect me. In the past, it would’ve, but myself and this team, we’re all about the next play, good, bad or indifferent.”