Curtis Brinkley rushed 16 times for 52 yards and caught three passes for 12 yards in the Chargers' Week 17 win over Oakland. With Ryan Mathews (calf) inactive, Brinkley led San Diego in carries on Sunday. The former undrafted free agent from Syracuse was ultimately used sparingly in 2011, largely because Brinkley is not much of a rushing threat. His 30 carries over the course of the season may go down as a career high. Brinkley can play in the passing game, but is a replacement-level back or worse.

Chargers declared RB Curtis Brinkley inactive for Sunday's game against the Bills. This looks like a healthy scratch for Brinkley and it confirms Ryan Mathews, Mike Tolbert and Jacob Hester are all close to 100 percent. Outside of their offensive linemen on injured reserve, the Chargers are healthy. The rest of their inactives: WR Bryan Walters, T Tony Moll, LB Everette Brown, LB Nate Triplett and S Darrell Stuckey.

Chargers RB Curtis Brinkley (concussion) has been medically cleared for Week 9. Brinkley is expected to "spell" Mike Tolbert against the Packers. A candidate for no more than 6-9 touches, Brinkley just won't be a Week 9 fantasy option.

The Chargers are optimistic that RB Curtis Brinkley (concussion) will be active for Sunday's game against the Packers. Brinkley seems to have turned a corner on Thursday. He's yet to pass his concussion tests, but coach Norv Turner expects him to do so prior to Sunday's game. If he does gain clearance, Brinkley will be a clear-cut backup to Mike Tolbert.

Chargers RB Curtis Brinkley (concussion) was held out of practice again on Thursday. Brinkley has yet to pass his concussion tests. Coach Norv Turner indicated that Mike Tolbert (hamstring) "looks good" after a second straight full practice. Expect Tolbert to carry the load against the Packers this week.

Chargers RB Curtis Brinkley (concussion) was held out of Wednesday's practice. Brinkley is in a race to get cleared for Week 9 after a late-game concussion Monday night. With Mike Tolbert back from his hamstring and hand injuries, Brinkley isn't likely to be a fantasy factor against Green Bay regardless.

Beat writer Kevin Acee confirms that we won't know Curtis Brinkley's (concussion) status until later in the week.

Chargers RB Curtis Brinkley was diagnosed with a concussion following Monday's loss to the Chiefs.

Curtis Brinkley took over for injured Ryan Mathews (groin) in Week 8's overtime loss to the Chiefs, posting 10 carries for 43 yards and a touchdown to go with three catches and 24 yards through the air. He also added a two-point conversion immediately after his score. He suffered a concussion during the game and will go through the league's mandated screening process. Even if he's fine, it would be much too optimistic to pick him up before learning whether Mathews and/or Mike Tolbert (hamstring, hand) will be ready for Week 9.

Chargers RB Curtis Brinkley is expected to be active for Monday's game against the Chiefs. With Mike Tolbert (hamstring, hand) sidelined, Brinkley will be "up" as Ryan Mathews' primary backup. However, Brinkley is a borderline NFL talent that has two career carries. We're expecting the Chargers to ride Mathews until the wheels fall off tomorrow night.