Doug

Flutie

The Chargers made a strange move by holding on to four quarterbacks, including Flutie. “If it’s third-string, it’s third-string,” Flutie said. “If it’s no string and I retire, then I do that, too.”

No big news here.

The Chargers need Flutie to back up Drew Brees with rookie Philip Rivers still holding out. San Diego hasn’t decided whether he’ll play this weekend.

Lorenzo Neal and Jesse Chatman are both active in the Chargers backfield.

He’ll be the backup the rest of the way, with Phillip Rivers moving to No. 3. No sense using a rookie in his first action in the playoffs.

He played three series, converting two touchdowns. The backup job is all but locked up for Flutie.

Flutie, who is trying to fight off Matt Cassell and Rohan Davey for the backup job, will follow starter Tom Brady. ``The adrenaline will be there, and then five seconds later you’re playing football,’' Flutie said. ``Then you have to have focus on what you’re doing out there.’'

He led the Chargers on a late touchdown drive despite a few horrible throws. It’s doubtful he’ll start next week. If the Chargers yank Drew Brees, Philip Rivers should be the man.

After Shane Matthews’ impressive debut, we’re surprised the Bills think this is necessary. It’s looking like Flutie won’t be in San Diego next week, one way or another.

So if Drew Brees gets injured, Philip Rivers will stay on the bench? Coach Schottenheimer says he “feels no obligation” to play Rivers this season. We’ll see.