Parker continues to bail out Chargers

Saturday, Oct 14, 2006
By Casey Pearce, Chargers.com

Eric Parker is at it again. 

In 2005 Parker developed a reputation for delivering the clutch catch on third down to give the Chargers new life on offense, and this year he has picked up right where he left off.  Five of Parker’s 11 catches this season have come on third down, with each of them gaining enough yards to extend the Bolts’ drive.

“He’s a guy you can trust,” quarterback Philip Rivers said.  “You always know where he’s going to be.  He’s always going to be in the right spot and make the catch.  It’s so nice to have guys like that to throw to.”   

Parker currently leads the Chargers in receiving yards with 186.  He’s third on the team with 11 catches.  Of those 11, nine have gone for first downs. 

“My job is to get open, no matter what the situation,” Parker said.  “I’m glad I’ve done enough to earn the trust of Philip and the guys around me.  I want to be reliable.  I want to be that guy they know they can look for.”

While Parker’s speed, agility and keen route running have all been factors in his production, he’s also quick to point to those around him who have helped him.  As the “X” receiver, Parker is regularly lined up on the opposite side of the formation from Antonio Gates.  With teams regularly doubling the All Pro tight end, Parker sees a large amount of single coverage. 

“Because of the weapons we have, we all help each other,” Parker said.  “It’s also huge that none of our guys are walking around out there.  We’re all running hard, trying to stretch the field and help each other get open.  Playing with guys like that makes it fun to go to work every day.”

Following his five-catch, 86-yard performance last Sunday against the Steelers, a group of former Chargers honored Parker with their Alumni Player of the Week award.  Parker has enjoyed his role as a key possession receiver, but he also hopes to expand that a little.

“I feel like I’m really close to busting one,” Parker said, specifically referring to a third-quarter play from Sunday’s game in which he made two players miss near the sideline before being pushed out of bounds.  “I’m ready to turn one of those up the field and turn something small into a big play.  I’m going to keep working at it, doing whatever I can.  I’m a patient guy.  That big one is going to come, but until then I’m fine just answering when my number is called.”

Injury update

There were no changes to the Chargers injury report Friday.  Safety Bhawoh Jue (knee) was the only player that missed some practice time.  He is not expected to play Sunday.  Tight end Ryan Krause (hamstring) and tackle Marcus McNeill (hand) are probable.

San Francisco tight end Vernon Davis will not play this week.  He’s out with a fractured fibula.  Though he practiced, guard Larry Allen (knee) remains doubtful.  Linebacker Derek Smith, the team’s leading tackler, practiced Friday.  He is probable with a hip injury. 

Starting left tackle Jonas Jennings (hand) missed practice and was downgraded to doubtful.  Starting cornerback Walt Harris, who intercepted three passes against Oakland last week, was added to the injury report Friday.  He’s questionable with a hamstring injury.

Merriman disappointed for Davis

Sunday’s date was one that linebacker Shawne Merriman circled on his calendar immediately after the 49ers made their first selection in April’s draft.  San Francisco used the sixth-overall pick to select Davis, Merriman’s close friend and former college teammate. 

Unfortunately, a fractured fibula will keep Davis out of the lineup this weekend when his Niners take on the Chargers.

“No question it was a game I was really looking forward to,” Merriman said.  “I was excited to see how much better he’s gotten.  He’s a talented guy and the way he works, I know he’s improved a lot since the last time I got a good look at him.”

Davis had caught five passes for 37 yards before injuring his leg in Week 3.

Hey rookie!

During a conference call with the San Diego media this week, 49ers Head Coach Mike Nolan went out of his way to compliment Chargers rookie cornerback Antonio Cromartie.

“It looks like they found a player in him,” Nolan said.  “Although he’s not playing a lot from my understanding right now and watching him in the preseason, his toughness and ability to play the corner is there.  (The Chargers) have drafted well.”

Cromartie is seeing increasingly more playing time each week, spelling Drayton Florence and also playing in the team’s substitute packages.  The Chargers are happy with the progress of their top draft pick.

“He continues to come along,” Head Coach Marty Schottenheimer said.  “He’s a very bright young man with a lot of physical skills.”

Make it six

All games of the NFL schedule for this weekend have sold out in advance of the local TV blackout deadline, enabling every game to be televised in the home-team market for an unprecedented sixth week in one season.