Chargers get star safety Derwin James back for Broncos game, but who else?

The Chargers are playing for their playoff lives Sunday against Denver, coming off a bewildering loss and amid swirling uncertainty brought on by COVID-19.

All of which had coach Brandon Staley acknowledging how much is, indeed, beyond his team’s grasp right now.

“You can control your energy,” he said. “You can control your focus. You can control your togetherness. That’s what we’re going to focus on.”

On Friday, starting tight end Jared Cook was put on the reserve/COVID-19 list, joining nine of his active-roster teammates. Staley said Cook is “unlikely” to play against the Broncos.

The Chargers still face several decisions on potential COVID activations for this weekend. Those who remain on the list include cornerback Chris Harris Jr., safety Nasir Adderley and right tackle Storm Norton, all starters.

Teams have until 1 p.m. Saturday to set their rosters.

On the plus side for the Chargers, Pro Bowl safety Derwin James Jr. will return after sitting out two games and being limited in a third because of a hamstring problem.

James’ absence was glaring last weekend when the Chargers lost at Houston 41-29, a defeat that knocked them out of a postseason position. They now will need help to advance.

“I feel like we’ve stayed connected,” Staley said. “We’ve hung tough. I still think that our best is out there as a team.”

Kicker Dustin Hopkins and long snapper Matt Overton also remain on the COVID list, along with key reserves in edge rusher/linebacker Kenneth Murray Jr. and safety Alohi Gilman.

Trey Pipkins III, the Chargers’ backup offensive tackle, also is on the COVID list. If Norton and Pipkins are unavailable, Staley said the Chargers would start rookie Brenden Jaimes against Denver.

A tackle in college at Nebraska, Jaimes has been moved to guard as a pro. Staley…