Turner outlines playing time plan

SAN DIEGO – Head Coach Norv Turner on Thursday outlined the playing time plan for Saturday's preseason opener.

The majority of the starters will play into the second quarter of Saturday's preseason opener, Turner said.

Select veterans such as Philip Rivers and Antonio Gates are expected to stay in the game approximately 10 plays.

The second offensive and defensive units are expected to play into the fourth quarter to get additional evaluation time. The young players will handle most of the plays during the fourth quarter according to Turner.

SHIFT IN FOCUS: The Chargers took a break from the slog of camp Thursday to prepare for their preseason opener against the Bears.

The evening practice schedule appeared like a normal day. The team worked through an inside run period, a blitz period and spent several dozen plays on 7-on-7s and 11-on-11s.

The focal point did budge a little from the intense internal concentration.

“This is a normal procedure. You get to the game and you want to give them some details about the team you’re getting ready to play, particularly your young players,” Head Coach Norv Turner said. “They’re a different offensive football team, so we have to prepare for the things they do. They run a totally different defense than we do. We’re just trying to familiarize our guys with what they’re getting ready to play against.”

He has not announced final determinations on the status of players with minor injuries.

“It’s the first preseason game. I want everyone to get a feel for it, but we have a long ways to go before we play in the regular season,” Turner said.

LAST ONE: Thursday evening’s full-pads session was the last practice open to the public. It also was the last practice before the Chargers take on the Bears. San Diego had a walkthrough Thursday morning and will do the same Friday.

RIVERS 5K: Quarterback Philip Rivers will host his first annual Celebrity 5K Walk & Fun Run on Sept. 4.

The event will take place in Point Loma at NTC Park in Liberty Station and will raise money for the Rivers of Hope Foundation.

The 5K run will begin at 8:15 a.m. and the walk at 8:30 a.m. There will be an awards ceremony following each event.

The events include a complimentary food court, fun zone for kids and live music. All registered walkers will receive a free haircut and the first 1,000 paying adults will get a free pair of silver and pearl earrings valued at $75 and a signed football card of Philip Rivers.

Registration is available at www.PhilipRivers5K.com.

NO BUS: MTS will not run a Chargers Express bus service to preseason games. The regular season bus schedule has not been determined. Check the MTS website, www.sdmts.com, as the season approaches for more information.

BOLTS: The first offense and first defense did not work against each other Thursday … Antoine Cason and Eric Weddle each had two interceptions during practice, one during 7-on-7s and another during the final team period … Malcom Floyd opened the blitz period with a comfortable catch down the right sideline. He waltzed 70 yards to the end zone with ease.