SAN DIEGO -- At least Trevor Robinson has been there before.
With three starting offensive linemen -- left tackle King Dunlap (concussion), left guard Orlando Franklin (ankle) and center Chris Watt (groin) -- missing practice on Wednesday for the San Diego Chargers, Robinson is the only backup with an NFL start to his credit among the players projected to play in place of those three players.
The other two working with the starters during the early portion of practice available to reporters included journeyman offensive lineman Kenny Wiggins at left guard and undrafted rookie Tyreek Burwell at left tackle.
Robinson subbed for an injured Watt in wins over the Baltimore Ravens and San Francisco 49ers last year, and started the final game against the Kansas City Chiefs.
“I’m confident in myself and I’m confident in everybody, whoever those five are,” Robinson said about this weekend’s game against the Cleveland Browns. “I don’t know who it’s going to be, but I’m confident we can give ourselves a chance to win.”
If Robinson gets his first start this season, it would come against an opponent he has some familiarity with, having spent his first three NFL seasons in the AFC North playing for the Cincinnati Bengals.
“Every week is kind of its own individual set of challenges and things that you have to do,” Robinson said. “They’re a good team. It’s a physical division. They’re known for that, and that’s something that we have to kind of rise to. And I think we’ll be able to do that.”
Wiggins has been on and off NFL practice squads and active rosters with the 49ers, the Ravens and the Chargers since 2011, but got his first game action on offense in a regular-season game in a loss to the Minnesota Vikings last week, playing in 34 snaps.
At 6-foot-6 and 314 pounds, Wiggins provides versatility, with the ability to play all five positions along the offensive line. That knowledge of the offense could help enhance communication up front with an inexperienced offensive line if Wiggins is in the game Sunday.
“Every time you get reps it’s always a plus,” Wiggins said. “Just getting out there and getting those first live reps was just a dream come true.”
Along with Dunlap, Franklin and Watt, outside linebacker Tourek Williams (foot), cornerback Craig Mager (hamstring) and receiver Jacoby Jones (ankle) did not practice on Wednesday.
Safety Jahleel Addae, who missed the past two weeks with an ankle injury, and tight end Ladarius Green (concussion) were limited participants in San Diego’s non-padded practice.
Offensive lineman D.J. Fluker (ankle), guard Chris Hairston (ankle, knee) and cornerbacks Jason Verrett (foot) and Brandon Flowers (knee) were full participants.