Gates, Binn moving forward

SAN DIEGO – David Binn mingled with the Chargers on Thursday during the first on-field practice of the 2011 season, a sweet sight for San Diego fans.

Binn and Antonio Gates, synonymous with the Chargers, look forward to being healthy again and expect to play important roles this year

Donald Butler, James Holt, Ryan Otterson and Richard Goodman, all of whom finished the season on Reserve-Injured or Practice Squad-Injured, also practiced Thursday.

Gates, entering his ninth NFL season, was bothered by a plantar fasciitis injury most of last season. He’ll be conservative with his body when possible during the weeks before the season-opener and rely on Head Coach Norv Turner and the training staff to decide when to push it and when to throttle back.

“I’m trying to get what I need to be well-rested and well-prepared,” Gates said. “It’s a give-and-take at this point.”

Binn injured his hamstring in the season-opener at Kansas City and missed the rest of the year after playing in 269 of the last 270 Chargers games. San Diego used five long snappers last season but Binn should stabilize the position.

“It was weird not being in there,” Binn said. “I feel back to my comfort zone right now. I’ll keep working, stay healthy and do my thing.”