On Friday, the Chargers declared safety Darrell Stuckey, their special teams captain, and inside linebacker Donald Butler out for Sunday's game against the Bengals. Wide receiver Eddie Royal was also ruled out.

None of three were able to practice this week.

Tight end Dante Rosario (hamstring) is listed doubtful while the injuries to the Chargers defense, already without strong safety Atari Bigby, extend to Jarret Johnson.

The veteran outside linebacker was limited in Thursday's practice with a back ailment and stuck to mental reps Friday. He is questionable, but there is hope he'll be able to play.

Bigby (groin), Butler (groin) and Stuckey (hamstring) all suffered injuries in the first half of Sunday's loss to the Ravens. Bigby was placed this week on season-ending injured reserve.

For all three, Sunday will be the first missed game of the year.

Butler has made 27 straight starts dating back to the start of last season and leads the Chargers with 72 total tackles in 2012. Bigby is second with 68.

Williams, 32, has had a strong season, contributing on special teams and defensive sub-packages. It was with no disrespect to him Friday that players acknowledged Butler's absence will be felt.

"It's just different personalities," Spikes said. "It's different because you build a chemistry and bond with certain people. You already know what he brings to the table. Proven playmaker. He's got the respect of all the guys. His leadership ability."

Stuckey leads the team with 12 special teams tackles, including 10 solo.

He's the first Chargers player to have 12 special-teams tackles in consecutive seasons since Pro Bowl gunner Kassim Osgood did it from 2007 to 2009.

It won't be one player asked to step in at gunner for Stuckey.

"We've played a lot of guys in there," coach Norv Turner said. "We'll just roll them around."

Royal will miss his fourth game, including second straight, to a lingering hamstring injury. He has 16 catches this season for 134 yards and a score.