In a way it’s something new, in a way it’s familiar territory.
Chargers defensive end 
So what does it mean to Cesaire?
“I look at it as it’s just a title and we’re all going to play,” Cesaire said following Saturday morning’s practice. “We’ve got to gear up and get ready for the season. I’m not doing anything differently. I’ve always worked hard and I’m going to continue to prepare at the same level.”
It was assumed that Cesaire would enter camp in a competition with
“Jacques is the starter at right end,” Turner said. “He’s going to be the starter unless he performs poorly or someone beats him out.”
As both Turner and Cesaire pointed out, the Chargers will regularly rotate their defensive linemen, particularly when the team goes to its sub packages that they were regularly in last season. While Cesaire started just twice in 2008, he played like a starter and as much as one in many situations.
“We play a lot of guys,” Turner said. “In the last four weeks of the season, we were in a lot of substitution combinations because of the way people attacked us. Jacques played more snaps – or close to – than the guy who was the starter at that position. I don’t see it as a vacancy. I see it as one of the strengths of our team.”
Cesaire joined the Chargers as an undrafted rookie free agent in 2003. He’s a favorite in the locker room because of his sense of humor, friendliness and work ethic, and Turner loves the way Cesaire approaches the game.
“He’s a pro,” Turner said. “He does what he’s asked to do and he knows his responsibility. He does it. He’s strong and quick. He’s a good football player.”
English arrives
First-round pick
English agreed to terms Friday night and inked the deal Saturday morning. He will be on the field with his teammates Saturday afternoon.
Nice preparation
Throughout the month of July, a handful of Chargers got together with players from around NFL to get ready for training camp. Wide receivers
“In that dead time, it’s kind of hard to find that kind of caliber player to throw to you and keep that timing and be on the same kind of level that you’re playing at,” Naanee said. “I thought it was really beneficial.”
The group met twice a week at San Diego’s West Hills High School.
Supporting the Bolts
Former Padres pitcher Jake Peavy, who was traded to the White Sox Friday, sported a camouflage hat featuring a gold Chargers Lightning Bolt and a grey Chargers t-shirt when he met with the San Diego media for the final time. The footage was shown on multiple national broadcasts.
“Every time I’ve seen him he has that hat on,” Chargers quarterback
Rivers, who like Peavy hails from Alabama, became good friends with the 2007 National League Cy Young Award winner and is a little sad to see Peavy move.
“I became a Padres fan just from being here, but I was probably more of a Jake Peavy fan,” Rivers said. “I always made sure the game was on when he was pitching.
“We talked and traded texts back and forth yesterday. I’m sure there are probably pluses and minuses in his mind. We all know how competitive he is. I wouldn’t be surprised to see him out there soon.”
Crowded backfield
There figures to be a competitive battle the next few weeks for the right to backup
In the past, the Chargers have typically carried just three tailbacks, meaning nine-year veteran
Turner praised Johnson earlier this week for his downhill running style and competitiveness, but he also likes what he’s seen from Bennett.
“Michael is a good runner,” Turner said. “He was kind of an insurance policy for us last year and he’s been impressive in the two practices. He’s always been a very fast guy but I think the offseason work, the strength and conditioning stuff, has helped him.”
