Turner sees receivers as strength

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Wednesday, Aug 01, 2007
By Casey Pearce , Chargers.com

The Chargers have the big guys, the quick guys, the possession guys and the big-play guys. Head Coach Norv Turner believes the mix he has at wide receiver will allow him to get creative offensively and he’s very pleased with the work they’ve done early in training camp.

“I love where we are with that position right now,” Turner said. “We are very talented there and some people don’t perceive it being as talented as I do. It’s an outstanding group.”

The Chargers will likely open the season with Eric Parker and Vincent Jackson as the starters, but as many as six different receivers could see prominent playing time this fall. While a toe injury has kept Parker off the practice field, several younger players are taking advantage of the reps they’re receiving .

“Certainly there’s competition all the way through,” Turner said. “My deal is just taking each individual and seeing how far they can get in the next six weeks. I think because of their youth, because none of them have played a great deal of football other than Eric, every one of them can get better in some way. I think they’re doing that.”

Turner said that Jackson is “quietly having an outstanding camp” while Malcom Floyd is working to expand his game.

“I’m really impressed with Malcom because I think he’s becoming a complete receiver,” Turner said. “He’s been a red zone guy and a deep guy, but I think he’s serious about becoming a complete player.”

Rookie Craig Davis has worked primarily in the slot and has shown why the Chargers used their top pick in April’s draft to select him. The former LSU star moves fluidly and catches virtually everything within reach.

“Craig is a young guy,” Turner said. “Every day he does something that shows you he is going to be an outstanding player. What he adds to the group is really going to help us.”

Injury update

Nine Chargers missed Wednesday morning’s practice, six of whom were by design. As Turner said earlier in the week, defensive tackle Jamal Williams, safety Bhawoh Jue, linebacker Anthony Waters, offensive tackle Roman Oben, defensive end Jacques Cesaire and Parker won’t participate in two-a-days but will only work once per day for the time being. Joining them on the sideline were safety Miguel Merrick (knee), defensive end Igor Olshansky and tight end Antonio Gates (calf).

“Gates got kicked in the calf on Monday afternoon and went about halfway through the practice yesterday,” Turner said. “It swelled up yesterday and got pretty sore. We’re going to go day-to-day with Antonio.”

With Cesaire, Olshansky and Williams out, defensive coordinator Ted Cottrell worked Luis Castillo and Ryon Bingham at defensive end with the first group and Brandon McKinney took the snaps at nose tackle.

Latimer added

The Chargers signed linebacker Zach Latimer, an Oklahoma product who is the son of former Denver Broncos defensive tackle and 1978 first-round draft choice Don Latimer.

Bright lights

Players will have a good portion of the afternoon off to rest up before the team takes the field at 7 pm this evening for the team’s first night practice of training camp. Players seem to like the change of pace.

“I’m looking forward to a nice nap this afternoon,” Floyd said.

The Chargers will be in pads for tonight’s practice. Fans are invited early as players will sign autographs for kids starting at 6 pm.

Morning notes

- Cornerback Quentin Jammer stood out during the team’s early practice as he broke up two passes down the field.

- Linebacker Matt Wilhelm intercepted a pass during 7-on-7 drills. Later in the practice, Wilhelm got into a minor scuffle with guard Kris Dielman in a team period.

-With Gates on the sideline, Brandon Manumaleuna and Scott Chandler were on the field with the first-team offense.

- Rookie cornerback Paul Oliver also broke up a pair of passes, and Cletis Gordon came away with an interception.

- Former San Diego State Head Coach and Chargers offensive coordinator Ted Tollner was on hand for the morning practice. Tollner and Turner worked together at USC and remain close friends.

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