David Garrard is expected to be under center when the Jaguars host the San Diego Chargers on Sunday.

"We think we're going to have David. He won't even be on the injury report. Barring any setbacks, we anticipate him being our quarterback on Sunday," Jaguars head coach Jack Del Rio said on Wednesday.

Garrard missed the three previous games following a high-ankle sprain he sustained on Oct. 22. Garrard was to participate in practice on Wednesday afternoon.

"I think we're getting a leader back and he is a good football player. Getting him back should provide a lift. We want him to get back into the groove," Del Rio added.

Garrard rode an early-season hot streak to a 102.9 passer rating that still has him ranked high (fourth) in the league passer rankings. Will he be rusty in his first start in four weeks?

"Not necessarily rusty but being able to move as I normally move," Garrard said of his concern.

The Jaguars are getting Garrard back just in time for a stretch run to the playoffs, the team hopes. Over the next five games, the Jaguars will face three current AFC division leaders and a wild-card contender.

"We have to take each opponent seriously. When you get to this point in the season, every game really matters. It's imperative we make sure we're on top of our game," Garrard said.

Del Rio came to the defense of his pass-offense, which is ranked 26th in the league in total yards. The Jaguars finished 24th in passing last season, prompting a reconstruction of the offensive coaching staff.

"I don't think the stats do justice to where we are with our offense and our ability to throw the football. I know we're better than we have been, throwing the football. I'm not really concerned with winning the stats battle," Del Rio said.

"We understand that if we prepare hard and compete hard, we're capable of beating anyone. I think we also know that if we're not on top of our game, we're vulnerable," he added.

Garrard had the Jaguars on top of their game through a four-game winning streak early in the season. It's hoped he'll return the team to that level of play.