Willie Anderson among players questionable for Chargers

Right tackle Willie Anderson, who has started 104 consecutive games, is questionable for the game Sunday against San Diego with a shoulder strain, coach Marvin Lewis said this afternoon. Anderson left Paul Brown Stadium earlier this afternoon with his right arm in a sling.

Three other players are questionable, as well. Cornerback Tory James has a sore knee joint, and safety Kevin Kaesviharn has a knee contusion. Lewis said Kaesviharn, who injured the knee against Atlanta, was doing well until pre-game Sunday at Baltimore. He did not play and was not activated. Linebacker Brian Simmons (neck) is questionable; he did not dress at Baltimore.

Cornerback Greg Brooks, who had arthroscopic knee surgery this morning, is out for the Chargers. Three other players are out: left tackle Levi Jones (knee), center Rich Braham (knee) and wide receiver Kelley Washington (hamstring). Lewis said all three players are getting "closer."

Lewis also responded to some developing news out of the loss Sunday at Baltimore.

Asked about wide receiver Chad Johnson's outburst and frustration at not getting the ball, Lewis said he talked to Johnson but declined to describe the details. Johnson left the stadium earlier today and said, "I suck."

Then there was the matter of quarterback Carson Palmer saying his mechanics are not yet fully back in function following his knee surgery in January. Lewis said quarterbacks coach Ken Zampese feels just the opposite, that Palmer has thrown the ball well and accurately on windy days at home against Atlanta and Carolina.

Two former Bengals will return to Cincinnati with the Chargers on Sunday: fullback Lorenzo Neal and offensive guard Mike Goff. Linebacker Steve Foley remains with the Chargers but is out for the season after being shot by police in a preseason altercation stemming from irregular driving and an alleged physical confrontation.

Foley was let go by Lewis in training camp 2003. Neal did not re-sign with the Bengals after the 2002 season. And Goff signed with the Chargers as an unrestricted free agent following the 2003 season.