Rivers feeling good after first live action

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Monday, Aug 11, 2008
By Casey Pearce, Chargers.com

Philip Rivers’ numbers from Saturday night’s preseason opener told of a solid night from the Chargers’ starting signal caller, but perhaps more encouraging than his performance was the way Rivers felt Tuesday as the Bolts returned to the practice field.

“I feel good,” Rivers said. “There was no additional soreness that I haven’t had in the past, so that was a good sign.”

Rivers completed 5-of-6 passes for 54 yards against the Dallas Cowboys Saturday night and led the Chargers to touchdowns on two of the four drives he was a part of. He led a smooth operation as the first-team offense didn’t commit a single penalty and protected the ball.

“I like what Philip did,” Head Coach Norv Turner said. “He moved around in the pocket extremely well and he obviously managed the game.”

Following Saturday’s game, Turner said that Rivers may not play much if at all this weekend when the Chargers travel to St. Louis to face the Rams at the Edward Jones Dome. He backed off that statement a little Monday, saying that he’d wait until later in the week to determine how much his starting quarterback will play.

“As soon as you say something like that people want to read something into it,” Turner said. “The field turf down there is great. It’s a great facility. We played down there last year. Philip got a good dose this game and we’ll see as we go through the week and have a plan for how much he’s going to play.”

Rivers didn’t have any thoughts on how much he might play against St. Louis, instead focusing on continuing his rhythm and preparation for the season.

“I don’t really know where it stands right now,” Rivers said. “We’re all going to prepare every week of the preseason. You’ve got to prepare like you’re going to play a lot. That’s the only way to approach it.”

Jackson returns

Wide receiver Vincent Jackson was back on the field Monday after missing a little more than a week of practice with some soreness in his legs. Jackson participated in the individual period with his teammates before heading to the sideline for team period, but Turner hopes to increase his workload as the week progresses.

“He held up alright,” Turner said. “It’s just the process now. Hopefully each day he’ll be able to do more.”

Wide receiver Legedu Naanee also participated in just individual drilles, while fullback Andrew Pinnock went through his most extensive work of camp as he is gradually given more and more work. Like he has throughout camp, linebacker Shawne Merriman went through a conditioning routine on the side.

Nice work

Running back LaDainian Tomlinson, who hasn’t played in a preseason game since 2005, was jokingly asked to evaluate his performance from Saturday night.

“I thought I did a great job of coaching,” Tomlinson said. “I was really on the guys about scoring touchdowns and they seemed to answer.”

Tomlinson actively cheered on his teammates and gave a nod of approval to his fellow running backs after fullback Mike Tolbert and running backs Darren Sproles an Jacob Hester accounted for all four Chargers touchdowns.

LT spoke highly of all three backs, particularly Hester, who found the end zone twice Saturday.

“I was really impressed,” Tomlinson said. “They say he doesn’t have many moves but I saw him make Pacman (Adam Jones) miss and then he gave the safety a pretty good stiff arm. He reminds me a little bit of Michael Turner just for his power, being able to run through people. Both of them have a very strong lower body and can really run through people.”

Nice look

Linebacker Shawne Merriman shaved his head last week but left his full beard and moustache to attain a cooler look for camp.

“I’ve heard (I look like) everything from Common to Suge Knight,” Merriman said with a laugh. “It gets hot out here so I just decided to cut it all off.”

On deck

The Chargers will hold a special teams walkthrough Tuesday morning and then have a full practice from 4-6 in the afternoon. Fans are invited to attend the afternoon session at Chargers Park.

Lisa Blumenfeld, Getty Images North America

Jacob Hester made an impression on a lot of people Saturday night with his two-touchdown performance, including LaDainian Tomlinson.

	Monday Training Camp: Philip Rivers Mondays press conference with Quarterback Philip Rivers. Play
	Monday Training Camp: Norv Turner Norv Turner comments on Saturdays 31-17 preseason win over the Cowboys and he also talks about WR Vincent Jackson returning to practice Monday afternoon. Play
	Monday Training Camp: Shawne Merriman At Monday's press conference LB Shawne Merriman comments on playing against his old coach Wade Phillips. Play
	Monday Training Camp: LaDainian Tomlinson On Monday, RB LaDainian Tomlinson comments on what he observed at Saturdays game vs. the Cowboys. Play