Chargers safety Terrence Kiel, facing five felony drug charges, went through his first full-scale practice since being arrested last week at team headquarters.
Free on a US$160,000 bond, Kiel practised Wednesday and could return to the starting lineup on Sunday night against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Chargers coach Marty Schottenheimer said.
``It feels good to be running around,'' Kiel said. ``It's always been a blessing to play football. Any time I can get out there on the field, I think you should take advantage of it.''
Kiel has been charged with shipping and possession of large quantities of prescription cough syrup, which is a controlled substance. Although Drug Enforcement Administration investigators said Kiel admitted he shipped at least two packages and knew of the contents, he pleaded not guilty at his arraignment on Tuesday.
Kiel, who has started 38 games for the Chargers, wasn't allowed to practice last week or play in Sunday's loss to Baltimore.
``It was hard for me to watch,'' Kiel said. ``I wasn't out there, but I felt like I was out there mentally and physically with the team. I wish I was out there of course. I didn't want to be watching it on TV. I'd rather be playing it. But other than that I was there mentally with them.''
Kiel's teammates have been supportive.
``That's my brother,'' cornerback Quentin Jammer said. ``This is a family away from home because we spend so much time with these guys, they become family. You put your arm around him and you just let him know that everything will work itself out.''
