What It Means:

Ballage was held out of Sunday's loss to the Buffalo Bills with an ankle injury, and that was after a week of no practicing. Participating to start the week - albeit on a limited basis - is a good sign as to his chances of playing. But with Austin Ekeler back, Ballage won't have a large role to return to even if he suits up.

The New England Patriots - the Chargers' Week 13 opponents - are currently 22nd in the NFL in adjusted net expected points allowed per run play.