Gregory returns to starting role

SAN DIEGO – Steve Gregory was the team’s second-leading tackler with 29 stops through Week 4 last season, making an interception against the Cardinals to help the team improve to 2-2.

He missed seven of the next eight games, and the season nearly was over by the time he returned and got healthy. The Chargers’ starter at strong safety in place of Bob Sanders (placed on Reserve-Injured with a knee injury) was one of the team’s better defensive players this time last year and believes he’s ready to return to that level after starting his first game of the season against Kansas City.

Gregory ran through a description of the Dolphins’ skill players Wednesday and expressed confidence in his ability to handle his responsibilities against Miami this week.

“Last game was good for me to get back out there and get in the flow of things,” Gregory said. “I’m ready to go.”

San Diego recently re-signed Paul Oliver as well, Gregory’s backup last season. Oliver started seven games for the Chargers a year ago and provides depth at the position.

Though Sanders and Eric Weddle gave the Chargers great potential as a safety tandem, Gregory and Weddle are close friends and their familiarity allows for efficient on-field communication, something the defense has been trying to build with all its new parts.

“Eric and I have played together for a while now and we understand how to communicate with each other, so just (me) relaying the calls throughout the secondary and relaying things to the linebackers is going to be big,” Gregory said.

Players and coaches Wednesday expressed frustration for Sanders on a personal level, knowing how much the former Defensive Player of the Year wanted to be a part of this team.

“This is very difficult for him,” Head Coach Norv Turner said. “I’m very respectful of what he tried to do for us and I wish it would’ve lasted longer. He’s got great work ethic and I think it rubbed off on some of our guys.”

Said Takeo Spikes: “It meant a lot, knowing what all he’s been through, to see him work his tail off from Day One all the way up to today. It hurts. He was a big part of what we accomplished up to this point. The way that he practiced, he was an inspiration to all of us.”

GATES UPDATE: Antonio Gates compared the discomfort in his foot to a toothache and called his pain a three or four on a scale of 10.

“(But) it’s just time to get some rest,” Gates said.

Turner confirmed the Pro Bowl tight end saw a foot specialist this week and continues to get as much information as he can on the best way to manage his plantar fascia, which he tore last season. Gates said it’s not comfortable to break through scar tissue but called it beneficial in the long run.

Gates missed the game against Kansas City. Turner said the injury is “not an overnight deal.” The tight end has a career track record of getting ready to play, though, and has not made a decision to stay off the field for a certain length of time.

“It would be difficult (to play Sunday), I must say. (And) there have been times where I was pretty optimistic about going out and playing,” Gates said. “But who’s to say? In a span of two or three days, I’ve seen miracles happen with my body. I’m always (studying) the game plan because who knows?

“Hopefully I can get to a point where I can contribute physically to this football team, because that’s what I get paid to do.”

Turner emphasized the importance of getting Gates healthy enough to practice and prepare in full, which will give him the best chance to play at the highest level.

QUOTE OF THE DAY: “There isn’t a pretty 2-1 or an ugly 2-1. If we win like that for the next 13, I won’t apologize once.” – on the Chargers’ winning record.