National Football League

Brown rejoins Chargers, Ohrnberger practices

Published Oct. 8, 2014 7:59 p.m. ET

foxsports

SAN DIEGO (AP) Running back Ronnie Brown is back with the San Diego Chargers, his unemployment in the NFL having lasted just one week.

Brown calls it a ''no-brainer'' because he's familiar with the system, having played for the Chargers in 2012 and 2013.

Brown was released last week by the Houston Texans. He says the Denver Broncos first contacted his agent Monday evening, followed by the Chargers.

''It's good and there are a lot of familiar faces,'' Brown said. ''It was a no-brainer because I'm familiar with the system.''

Quarterback Philip Rivers said Brown ''is a heck of a player but his value is more than just what he does on the field. He brings leadership and toughness and a trust at that position. It was great to see him back today.''

The Chargers need running back depth after Donald Brown sustained a concussion in Sunday's 31-0 victory against the New York Jets. Ryan Mathews remains out indefinitely with a knee injury and the Chargers lost Danny Woodhead for the season after he broke his lower right leg in a win at Buffalo in Week 2.

Also Wednesday, center Rich Ohrnberger practiced for the first time in three weeks, although he was limited due to a back injury that forced him to miss the last two games. He had made two starts after replacing Nick Hardwick, who was placed on injured reserve after sustaining a neck stinger in the opener.

''Today was a work day,'' Ohrnberger said.

''It is feeling better every day and that is definitely the goal, trying to make whatever improvements I can. I'm working hard to get back out there,'' Ohrnberger said.

The Chargers welcomed Trevor Robinson, signed Tuesday from Cincinnati's practice squad. Robinson was signed because Doug Legursky was placed on injured reserve after injuring a knee late in Sunday's game.

Rookie guard Chris Watt, who replaced Legursky for a few plays, is expected to start against Oakland on Sunday.

The Chargers (4-1) visit AFC West rival Oakland (0-4) on Sunday.

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