Chargers' Brown cleared after missing 3 games

SAN DIEGO (AP) San Diego Chargers running back Donald Brown has been cleared to return to practice after missing three games with a concussion. Brown practiced

SAN DIEGO (AP) San Diego Chargers running back Donald Brown has been cleared to return to practice after missing three games with a concussion.

Brown practiced Wednesday for the first time since being injured in a victory against the New York Jets on Oct. 5.

''It's something you don't want to mess with. You never wish it on everybody,'' Brown said. ''The tough part is there's no treatment for it, it's just time. During the season, time is of the essence. Unfortunately, I had to sit out three games.''

Brown returns as the Chargers (5-3) are trying to end a two-game losing streak.

They visit Miami on Sunday, where the Chargers are 0-7 since their epic overtime playoff victory following the 1981 season.

One of those losses was a 20-16 defeat last year when the Chargers committed a litany of blunders.

''I don't live in the past,'' said Brown, who was with Indianapolis last year. ''It's definitely a tough task ahead. They're playing great ball right now. Their defense is sound across the board, definitely one of the better defenses we'll face all year. It's going to be a fun environment.''

The last time the Chargers won in Miami was on Jan. 2, 1982, when they claimed a 41-38 overtime victory behind Hall of Famers Dan Fouts, Kellen Winslow and Charlie Joiner. An exhausted Winslow had to be helped off the field after catching 13 passes for 166 yards and one touchdown. The Chargers lost the AFC championship game the following weekend in frozen Cincinnati.

The Chargers' losing streak in Miami started the following season in a playoff defeat. San Diego also lost a playoff game at Miami after the 1992 season.

''They have been a great team, pretty much, in the 80s and 90s,'' wide receiver Malcom Floyd said.

''It's a new era and hopefully we go in and change that. We've got a great team. We've got some experienced veterans who know how to win and we've got some younger guys who have stepped up and played at a high level. We look forward to going in and taking on that challenge.''

NOTES: Running back Ryan Mathews continues to rehab his right knee, which he injured in a victory against Seattle in Week 2. ''I don't think Ryan is too far away,'' quarterback Philip Rivers said. ... Among those sitting out practice Wednesday were safety Jahleel Addae, who sustained a concussion in a loss at Denver on Thursday night; cornerback Brandon Flowers, who sustained a concussion in a loss to Kansas City on Oct. 19; and rookie cornerback Jason Verrett, who was forced out of Thursday night's game with a shoulder injury.

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