News

Although last week’s win over the Raiders marked Malcom Floyd’s first start of the season, it was actually the sixth of his career.  Still, it was a significant one for Floyd.  

“To be a steady starter is something that everyone works for and is everyone’s dream,” Floyd said.  “I got a couple starts here and there, but I wasn’t necessarily the starter.  I’ve worked hard to earn that title and I’m going to make the most of it.”

Floyd moved to the top of the depth chart at the “X” receiver position earlier this week when the team released Chris Chambers.  It’s the culmination of a long climb for a player who went undrafted, spent most of two seasons on the practice squad and battled injuries early in his career.  He believes each of those experiences have helped him along the way.   

“The humbling experiences and the way that you have to go out there and play as a free agent, it’s made me the player that I am,” Floyd said.  “All that combined made me mentally tough and helped make me who I am.  I’m grateful for this opportunity.   

Floyd’s 22.8-yards per reception leads all Chargers.  He has 11 receptions on the season, but likely will see that number rapidly grow with an increase in playing time.

“We’re excited about what he can do playing every down, more plays in the game,” Head Coach Turner said.  “He works hard and just continues to improve each week.” 

Hardwick’s progress

Center Nick Hardwick was limited in practice again Thursday, although Turner called him a “long shot” to return to game action Sunday. Hardwick hasn’t played since injuring his ankle in the team’s regular-season opener.

Hardwick is anxious to return, but says he’ll be smart about things and make sure he’s physically ready.

“You have to be able to perform, you have to be able to perform at a high level and you just have to be honest with yourself,” Hardwick said.  “If you can do it, you can do it, and I should do it because that’s what I’m paid to do.  If I can’t then I have to suck up my pride and wait.”

Other injuries

Linebacker Kevin Burnett was limited in Thursday’s practice, the first time he’s been on the field since suffering an ankle injury against the Broncos in Week 6.  Tight end Antonio Gates (foot) and safety Steve Gregory (ankle) fully participated after being limited Wednesday, while linebacker Tim Dobbins (knee) and defensive tackle Ogemdi Nwagbuo (ankle) did not participate Thursday.

Homecoming kings

Chargers safety Steve Gregory grew up on Staten Island and attended roughly a dozen Jets and Giants games in his youth.  Sunday, he’ll play at Giants Stadium for the first time.

“It’s going to be a great experience,” Gregory said.  “I’ll have a ton of family there and it will be special for them.  I’m really looking forward to it.”

Gregory isn’t the only Charger who is headed home this weekend.  Defensive end Luis Castillo attended high school in Garfield, New Jersey, just five miles from Giants Stadium. 

Special guest

Running back Darren Sproles invited 6-year-old Brandon Shibley to practice today to wish him an early happy birthday. Shibley, who turns seven at the end of this month, has been diagnosed with a rare, inoperable brain tumor. Sproles is Shibley’s favorite player and upon hearing the news, Sproles was eager to meet him. Thanks to Sproles, Shibley was able to meet LaDainian Tomlinson, Shawne Merriman and his second favorite Charger, Philip Rivers.

“It was cool to get to see how excited he was,” Sproles said.  “It makes you feel good when you can make someone’s day like that.”