Jacob

Hester

With Ryan Mathews (calf) and Mike Tolbert (concussion) both leaving the game, Hester took over as the feature back. He’s just a plodding short-yardage back though, so today’s line is the ceiling. And with the Chargers on a bye next week, we’d expect Hester to return to his fullback role in Week 7.

According to the Union-Tribune San Diego, there is no “immediate timetable for a response.” Castillo is the only player known to have made a visit elsewhere, spending Saturday in New England. If Hester re-signs, he wouldn’t be guaranteed a roster spot after the Bolts gave FB Le’Ron McClain a three-year deal last Tuesday.

Hester drew some interest from the Seahawks in free agency, but will return to San Diego. While the 27-year-old hasn’t been worth what the Chargers surrendered to trade up for him as the 69th pick in the 2008 draft, he can play a variety of roles on offense as well as run down kicks on special teams.

Hard-line GM A.J. Smith is also taking the same approach with free agent OT Mario Henderson. Hester will likely have a pair of offers to consider after visiting the Seahawks on Wednesday. The versatile fullback said he has turned invitations to visit multiple teams.

The team tentatively expects LG Kris Dielman (concussions) back and hopes to re-sign free agent C Nick Hardwick. The Bolts figure to release LT Marcus McNeill, entering the bidding war for Jared Gaither instead. While the front office is “high on” FBs Mike Tolbert and Jacob Hester, the Times confirms other reports that it’s a “virtual certainty” Vincent Jackson will escape the franchise tag.

Hester can lead block, carry the football on short-yardage downs, and cover kicks on special teams, but he’s drawn surprisingly little interest on the free agent market. He’d be the No. 2 fullback behind Michael Robinson in Seattle.

If Hester returns, it will be as a special teamer now. He was the third back behind Ryan Mathews and Mike Tolbert last season.

The Bolts seem resigned to losing Mike Tolbert to a higher bidder, leaving Hester as a priority at fullback. Depending on the team’s moves over the next couple of months, Hester could take on some of Tolbert’s responsibilities in short-yardage and in the passing game.

Tolbert isn’t a franchise tag candidate, and the fact that the Chargers have not already locked him up suggests they won’t overpay for the versatile 26-year-old. San Diego is expected to make a stronger play to re-sign free agent FB Jacob Hester, who can do many of the same things Tolbert can in terms of short-yardage running, pass blocking, and special teams play.

Hester sustained a shoulder injury on the final day of minicamp last month. After five weeks of rest and rehab, “all the soreness” is out. Hester expects to be a full participant throughout camp.