Malcom Floyd ran a drag route, caught a pass, swung his body to the left and sprinted upfield at the start of Friday afternoon's Chargers practice.
It was an encouraging sight for the wide receiver, who suffered a hip injury Sunday against the New York Jets.
Less than encouraging: his missing teammates.
Running back Mike Tolbert (hamstring, hand) and outside linebacker Shaun Phillips (foot) sat out their third straight practice and are not expected to play Monday night against the Kansas City Chiefs.
From the start of the week, coach Norv Turner has played the team's health issues close to the chest. Of the 11 players on the injury report, only two — defensive end Luis Castillo (tibia) and left guard Kris Dielman (concussion) — were confirmed to miss the division road game.
On Friday, Turner conceded he was "not real hopeful" on Tolbert and "not real hopeful" on Phillips, the strength of a so-far very weak pass rush.
Curtis Brinkley and Jacob Hester may see added touches in Tolbert's absence. Outside linebackers Antwan Barnes and rookie Darryl Gamble will see heavy snaps for a unit already without Larry English, placed on injury reserve earlier in the week. Tyronne Green will start in place of Dielman.
Phillips has started 61 consecutive regular-season games since 2007.
Antonio Gates rested his plantar fascia injury during Friday's padded practice. With the tight end having participated the past two days in full, his absence was part of the usual plan to build him up toward game day.
He is expected to practice Saturday.
Floyd and safety Darrell Stuckey (groin) were limited practice participants.
"I was excited to see (Floyd) be able to go out and do what he could do," Turner said. "Hopefully he can practice tomorrow."
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