San Diego Charger Fan

Source: Associated Press

Ryan Mathews

SAN DIEGO (AP)—Chargers running back Ryan Mathews had his nose cauterized in an uncomfortable procedure he says should eliminate nosebleeds that have plagued him during his career.

“It feels like I have a cold right now because I’m so stuffed up,” Mathews said. “It wasn’t fun, but hopefully it works.”

Mathews missed practice but recovered in time to throw out the ceremonial first pitch before the San Diego Padres’ game against the Arizona Diamondbacks. He’s expected to practice on Wednesday afternoon and will play on Friday night in an exhibition game at New Orleans.

The rookie has dealt with football-related bloody noses since high school. Dry heat adds to the problem, and a combination of an arid climate and full contact on Saturday night caused Mathews’ nose to bleed during an exhibition game against the Dallas Cowboys.

He got hit hard near the goal line, driving his helmet back into his nose. Mathews’ nose started bleeding, which sidelined him for most of a series late in the first half.

“I’ve been getting them on and off for a while,” Mathews said. “It’s not like the nose bleeds forever or anything, but it is an inconvenience. It normally happens when I get hit pretty good, but it can also just start due to dry weather. The team thought it was a good idea to shore it up.”

NOTES: OLB Shawne Merriman missed another practice and will not play on Friday. WR Craig Davis (hip), DL Ryon Bingham (back) and LT Nick Richmond (knee) also missed practice. RG Louis Vasquez (groin) and LB James Holt (hip) returned to practice after missing Monday’s session. … Training camp officially closed on Monday and the Chargers began following their regular-season routines on Tuesday. They pumped in crowd noise to prepare the players for their first road game, at the Superdome, and also barred the media for much of practice. … Coach Norv Turner said most starters will play well into the third quarter against the Saints. … P Cort Johnson was waived.

Source: Associated Press

Shawne Merriman

SAN DIEGO (AP)—Chargers outside linebacker Shawne Merriman will miss Saturday night’s exhibition game against Dallas because of an Achilles’ tendon injury that has prevented him from practicing since Tuesday.

Merriman missed the exhibition opener last Saturday against Chicago because he ended his holdout just a day earlier.

Inside linebacker Brandon Siler (ankle), offensive lineman Scott Mruczkowski (ankle), tight end Richie Brockel (shoulder) and left tackle Nick Richmond won’t play, and it’s unlikely offensive lineman Tyronne Green (ankle) will play.

The Chargers practiced Friday morning at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar. The team signed autographs and ran drills for an estimated 500 military members and their families.

The highlight of the session came at the expense of the rookie class, which went through a pushup exercise while being yelled at by drill sergeants.

Source: Associated Press

By Bernie Wilson

Shawne Merriman

SAN DIEGO (AP)—Shawne Merriman(notes) signed his $3,269,000, one-year tender with the San Diego Chargers on Friday, admitting his two-week holdout didn’t accomplish anything.

The star outside linebacker won’t play in Saturday night’s exhibition opener against Chicago, but coach Norv Turner expects him to be ready by the following weekend’s game against Dallas.

Merriman, once one of the most-feared players in the NFL, stood on the sideline watching Friday’s walkthrough, the sleeves on his jersey rolled up to expose his tattooed arms.

“I think it was time for me to come in and get ready,” said Merriman, who’s trying to regain the form that resulted in 39 1/2 sacks in his first three seasons. “You can’t show up game one, game two, whatever, and expect to be ready. The only way to emulate football is to play football.”

Merriman softened his stance on a handful of issues, including one in which he was quoted as saying he wanted the Chargers to tell him he wouldn’t be traded during the season.

“Everybody’s on the trading block, so I don’t think that was a question at all. I think it was more of it being talked about so much. We have bigger fish to fry, and that’s to play the Kansas City Chiefs and get ready for them,” he said, referring to the season opener on Sept. 13.

“At no point in time did I want my conversation on where I’m going to play or what’s going to happen be bigger than us getting ready for a game. At some point, it got there. That’s what I wanted to stay away from. But I’m happy to be back here for another year, to come out and finish what we started with these guys. There’s no better way to do it.”

So did he accomplish anything by not being in camp?

“No I didn’t accomplish anything at all because I always knew that I was wanted here and that was one of the biggest reasons for getting some things sorted out,” he said. “But just the whole business part of it you just hate to deal with. I’m just so glad that that’s behind me now where I can go out and play.”

Merriman said he expressed his concerns a few times to general manager A.J. Smith, including during a phone conversation on Thursday.

“We obviously have the same goals, trying to accomplish the same things, and sometimes in between, things get a little mixed up and they shouldn’t be,” Merriman said. “But ultimately we have the same goals, to come out and be a championship ballclub.”

Smith, not a fan of Merriman’s celebrity-leaning pursuits away from football, didn’t return a call seeking comment.

The Chargers still have two high-profile holdouts. Left tackle Marcus McNeill(notes) and Pro Bowl wide receiver Vincent Jackson(notes) have refused to sign their tenders because they want long-term deals.

McNeill’s agent, Alvin Keels, confirmed in an e-mail on Friday that the Chargers have threatened to place the player on the roster exempt list if he doesn’t sign his tender by next Friday. Jackson’s agent, Neil Schwartz, didn’t return a call or e-mail, but it would seem to follow suit that the Chargers would also threaten his client with the same treatment.

By being placed on the roster exempt list, they would face a three-game suspension once they sign. Jackson and McNeill are believed to be willing to hold out through the season’s first 10 games, returning for the final six to gain an accrued season. Jackson already has been suspended by the NFL for the first three games for violating the league’s substance abuse policy. Being placed on the roster exempt list would force them to move up their return, if they intend to play at all this year.

Smith used the same move in 2005 on tight end Antonio Gates(notes), who missed the season opener. Gates could have been a factor when the Chargers had four cracks at the end zone from the Dallas 7-yard line in the final minute before losing 28-24. The Chargers eventually missed the playoffs that year.

Merriman also backed off an earlier statement that he wanted to be on a team where the defense was built around him.

Asked if that would be the situation with the Chargers, he said: “Absolutely not. It wasn’t intended for any defense or anything like that to be built around me. I want to be a big part of this team for the next five, seven years, whatever it is. I’ve never been a guy that wanted anything built around me because I always believe that if you put me on the field, I’m going to be able to make plays. You don’t have to do anything around me at all. I’m just happy to be here and do my part, and do my part as I have for the last five years.”

He also said he wanted people to stop dwelling on talk about a long-term deal with the Chargers, “because as you saw in ’08, it can be over and you can be out. I’m going to continue to take it year by year. I know I’m wanted here and that’s good enough for me.”

Nicknamed “Lights Out” because of his punishing hits, Merriman missed the final 15 games of the 2008 season after having reconstructive knee surgery. He was limited to four sacks last year as he bounced back from the knee surgery and dealt with other injuries.

Merriman was a force in his first three NFL seasons, although he served a four-game suspension in 2006 after testing positive for steroids. He had a career-high 17 sacks in 12 games that season.

Source: Associated Press

SAN DIEGO (AP)—Shawne Merriman tweeted Friday that he’s signed his contract tender with the San Diego Chargers.

Merriman had been staying away from training camp because he apparently wanted assurances he won’t be traded this season.

The Chargers hadn’t confirmed that Merriman signed and the player didn’t returned e-mails seeking confirmation, but agent David Dunn said in an e-mail to The Associated Press that Merriman would report Friday.

General manager A.J. Smith, not a fan of Merriman’s celebrity-leaning off-field pursuits, didn’t return a call seeking comment.

The Chargers had a walkthrough scheduled for late Friday morning in advance of their exhibition opener Saturday night against the Chicago Bears. It’ll be the Chargers’ first action since their embarrassing 17-14 playoff loss to the New York Jets.

The Chargers still have two high-profile holdouts. Left tackle Marcus McNeill and Pro Bowl wide receiver Vincent Jackson have refused to sign their tenders because they want long-term deals.

Source: Associated Press

Rookie Donald Butler will miss the entire season.

SAN DIEGO (AP)—San Diego Chargers rookie linebacker Donald Butler will miss the entire season after sustaining an Achilles’ tendon injury.

In another medical development, left tackle Tra Thomas had arthroscopic surgery on his right knee. He’s expected to miss roughly two weeks and won’t play in the exhibition game against the Chicago Bears on Aug. 14.

Thomas was signed as insurance because of Marcus McNeill’s holdout. Brandyn Dombrowski is working exclusively with the first team and undrafted rookie Nick Richmond has been taking snaps at left tackle on the second team.

McNeill’s agent, Alvin Keels, said in an e-mail that there has been “zero movement at this point” with the Chargers. McNeill, wide receiver Vincent Jackson and outside linebacker Shawne Merriman are staying away from camp, unhappy at not being given long-term contracts. McNeill and Jackson could hold out through the season’s 10th game. It’s not known when Merriman will report.

Chargers general manager A.J. Smith didn’t return a call seeking comment.

Butler, who was injured on Tuesday, said his injury was “heartbreaking. I’ve never dealt with something like this. Right now I’m just trying to make it through.”

He was a third-round draft pick out of Washington.

“I’m disappointed for him because he was doing everything we needed him to do in order to be a part of it,” coach Norv Turner said. “We went through it last year in so many different spots, and someone else has got to step up.”

Source: USA Today

A.J. Smith

A.J. Smith, the Chargers’ dour and gruff general manager, is done talking about Marcus McNeill, Vincent Jackson and Shawne Merriman. Those three players, who account for a combined six Pro Bowl selections, haven’t signed their contracts.

Smith’s role in these negotiations is a point for discussion. He went the hardball route on McNeill and Jackson, slashing their tender offers by nearly $2.5 million. Smith has dug in his heels, drawn a line in the sand — pick your cliche and Smith will sign off on it.

There were reports there was some movement in talks with McNeill, the massive left tackle whose responsibility is among the biggest on the team: keep $92 million quarterback Philip Rivers in one piece. But Smith shot that speculation down.

Jackson, like McNeill, has said it’s possible he won’t report until the season’s final six weeks. But his situation is even more clouded than McNeill, as he is facing a three-game suspension from the NFL after being convicted for his second driving under the influence charge.

Merriman’s stance, he said, is more about his lack of commitment from the Chargers than the dollar figures on his one-year deal. Merriman complained that he doesn’t feel wanted by the Chargers; that he is tired of constantly being on the trading block; that he wants a defense built around him.

“It was very disappointing to hear Shawne’s demands and desires regarding the Chargers,” Smith told the media. “But it certainly is his right to voice them. We will not guarantee him that he won’t be traded. That is not in the best interest of the organization.”

The Chargers would love, in some ways, for Merriman to be the focal point of the defense. But the truth is the player who wrecked havoc on the NFL and was named to the Pro Bowl in his first three seasons – that Shawne Merriman – hasn’t been seen of late.

In the past two years – the majority of one he missed by delaying knee surgery – Merriman shows but four sacks. Instead of being a disruptive, game-changing force on defense, Merriman has become a complementary player.

“We will not be building a defense around Shawne,” Smith added. “Our hope was that he would become an integral part of our defense. Obviously he has a lot on his mind going into the season. He will have to work that out with his agent.”

The Chargers have much to work out before kicking the season off Sept. 13 in Kansas City. They are minus their top pass-protector, top downfield threat, and top – in Merriman’s mind – pass-rusher.

That’s a lot to compensate for.

Merriman, though, figures to report sooner rather than later. That same can’t be said for McNeill and Jackson.

In the recent past, Chargers training camps have been devoid of news and spirited competitions – a tribute to the success the team has enjoyed of late. But the early buzz for this camp is just as much about the players not here as the ones returning from a 13-3 team – one that capped its season with its third playoff loss in four postseason games.

CAMP CALENDAR: The first practice was Aug. 1. There will be practices in Qualcomm Stadium Aug. 4 and Aug. 7. Camp closes Aug. 23.

NOTES, QUOTES

—Chargers president Dean Spanos was among those relieved that top pick Ryan Mathews is in camp. Mathews has some big cleats to fill in replacing future Hall of Famer LaDainian Tomlinson.

“We are excited to have Ryan here and ready to go,” Spanos said. “Aside from his outstanding talents on the field, he’s a class young man and the kind of player we’re proud to add to our team.”

—The nickel role has been one the Chargers have had trouble filling. Just maybe in newcomer Donald Strickland the Chargers finally have their man. The seven-year veteran signed this offseason after playing there with the New York Jets in 2009 and San Francisco, Philadelphia and Indianapolis before that.

“That’s been my role the past four or five years and it’s something I have a knack for,” Strickland said. “You have to be a capable tackler and a coverage guy. It’s a little bit safety and a little bit cornerback, which I believe suits my strengths.”

—QB Philip Rivers annually shows up for training camp with his hair closely cropped. But it seems he went overboard this year. Let’s just say he would fit in as a Marines Corps poster boy for his latest buzz cut. “We cut it at the house and my (daughters) sure got a kick out of it,” Rivers said.

—CB Antoine Cason is comfortable with his early camp role of playing with the first string. “I came in to camp relaxed and ready to work,” Cason said. “I know what I’m capable of doing, which makes me confident when I go out there and play. I feel comfortable out there right now, but I’m still working to get better.”

—OL Brandyn Dombrowski started two games at right guard and seven at right tackle last season. But this season he has been plopped on the left side with tackle Marcus McNeill not in camp. And that is fine with Dombrowski.

“That’s my natural side,” Dombrowski said. “I feel more comfortable and that I can move better on the left, so I don’t think the adjustment will be that big of a deal. I’m going to pour focus into my technique, especially the little things. I’ve learned that poor technique gets you beat on game day. I have to be perfect, or as close to perfect as I can be moving forward.”

—SS Steve Gregory was on the sidelines but he became part of the play when Rivers overshot a receiver. “Hey Steve, head’s up!” Rivers shouted as the ball sailed toward Gregory. He saw the ball at the last moment and made a nice catch.

— Jets CB Antonio Cromartie, a former Charger, had this to say about his new training camp digs; his remark didn’t go unnoticed by the Chargers. “Now this is training table food. Ribs, mustard greens, bake beans, and mac cheese. Man I love it.” Cromartie was fined $2,500 last summer by the Chargers for criticizing the quality of the food they provided during training camp.

—Coach Norv Turner is a bit ticked about the constant talk about the players not at Chargers camp and what that means for the season. “We still get to play with 11 guys,” Turner said.

QUOTE TO NOTE: “It’s always about health in this game. The physical ability will still be there for me, because I didn’t play college football and endure all the wear and tear that comes with it. That being said, I believe I’ll play through this contract. But I don’t want to be forced into retirement. I want to go out on my own terms, and no matter what, I’ll make sure that happens.” — TE Antonio Gates on if he’ll still be able to play at age 35, after his current contract extension reaches its end.

STRATEGY AND PERSONNEL

Little movement here with the big three: Marcus McNeill, Vincent Jackson and Shawne Merriman. They are restricted free agents and have yet to sign their tender offers.

But the Chargers did get RB Ryan Mathews in the fold thanks to a $25 million deal which includes $15 million in guaranteed money.

PLAYER NOTES

—LT Brandyn Dombrowski has been running with the first team. That development could mean that he’s for now the first-stringer, as well as the team being cautious with wearing out 35-year-old Tra Thomas. Both are getting long looks with Marcus McNeill not reporting.

—CB Antoine Cason is getting the first shot at replacing Antonio Cromartie in the starting lineup. Cason, a former first-round pick, was unable to hold down the nickel role last year. Cromartie was peddled to the Jets in the offseason because of his lack of consistency and physical play.

—DT Ryon Bingham spent last season on injured reserve but has come back and been playing with the first unit. The Chargers are seeking a replacement for three-time Pro Bowler Jamal Williams; he left as a free agent for Denver. Williams played in but one game last year before getting hurt.

—The team released SS Kevin Ellison, a nine-game starter last year, before training camp. It did so because it was impressed with rookie Darrell Stuckey; Stuckey has been running with the first team.

—With Jackson absent, Malcom Floyd has moved into his spot. Floyd has a lanky build similar to Jackson, but not the downfield speed Jackson possesses, which keeps defenses honest.

EXPECTED BATTLE OF THE WEEK: Brandyn Dombrowski vs. Tra Thomas for the starting left tackle spot. Dombrowski’s stock rose significantly last season with the Chargers after the undrafted free agent filled in for Louis Vasquez at right guard and Jeromey Clary at right tackle. But can this unsung player take care of Philip Rivers’ blind side? If not, does Thomas, entering his 13th year, have much left in his tank after contemplating retirement during the offseason? The Chargers season – if Marcus McNeill stays out for a lengthy period – could decide the Chargers’ chances for success this year.

OTHER BATTLE FRONTS: Antoine Cason vs. Donald Strickland vs. Nathan Vasher for starting left cornerback spot. Cason gets the first licks in here, but he is no means a shoe-in to replace Antonio Cromartie. The Chargers were reluctant to hand the job to Cason and they proved it when bringing in Strickland and Vasher, two veterans, as insurance policies.

ROOKIE REPORT: RB Ryan Mathews signed in time for the team’s first workouts in pads after missing the first four sessions. … ILB Donald Butler, a third-round selection, got some early work before the veterans reported; he could be seeing the field mostly on special teams. … SS Darrell Stuckey, a fourth-round selection, is splitting duties on the first unit with Steve Gregory. … DT Cam Thomas is getting a good grasp on the team’s 3-4 alignment.

INJURY REPORT: The Chargers, in a nod to how early it is in camp, haven’t sustained any injuries. All are working and the team has yet to rest anyone.

Source: Associated Press

Ryan Mathews

SAN DIEGO (AP)—The San Diego Chargers didn’t have perfect attendance Friday for their first two full-squad practices of training camp.

Running back Ryan Mathews, the heir apparent to LaDainian Tomlinson, hasn’t signed a contract yet and has missed five practices. He missed three practices earlier this week for rookies and selected veterans.

Mathews was the 12th overall pick. The players picked on either side of him, San Francisco’s Anthony Davis and Philadelphia’s Brandon Graham, both agreed to deals on Friday, which could help Mathews and the Chargers finalize a contract.

Also missing were outside linebacker Shawne Merriman, left tackle Marcus McNeill and Pro Bowl wide receiver Vincent Jackson. They are unhappy about their status as restricted free agents.

While McNeill and Jackson are expected to have prolonged holdouts, Merriman’s holdout isn’t expected to be as long.

Still, coach Norv Turner isn’t happy.

“He needs to get back to where he’s practicing and playing every day,” Turner said. “The biggest thing people need to understand is that this is a team deal. Nothing we do is based on any one guy. It’s based on a team, on 11 guys playing together, and I’d like to get him back to being one of those 11 guys working on a common goal.”

The holdouts have been the talk of Chargers training camp and likely will be for some time, but Turner doesn’t believe it will distract from the team’s on-field work. He’s also put a moratorium on discussing anyone who hasn’t reported to camp.

“I’m not going to address the three guys who aren’t here after today,” he said. “I’m not going to speak of it and our guys aren’t going to spend a lot of time talking about it either. They would all like those guys to be here, but this group has handled change and distraction as well as any I’ve been around. I don’t think it creates distraction in our building.

“There are a bunch of guys getting an opportunity to play and I believe our team has confidence that they’ll get the job done.”

McNeill and Jackson appear to be prepared to sit out training camp and the season’s first 10 games. They’ll likely report for the final six games in order to accrue another season toward unrestricted free agency.

Jackson and McNeill were tendered one-year deals at just more than $3 million each. When they didn’t sign the offers by June 15, the Chargers were entitled to offer them their same salaries as 2009, resulting in a loss of about $2.5 million each.

Merriman hasn’t signed his tender for $3.269 million, but the outside linebacker was due a 10 percent raise anyway, which would put his 2010 pay at approximately the tender amount. Still, he hasn’t said when he’ll report.

He did comment on his Twitter account recently about tight end Antonio Gates’ $36 million contract extension: “1st thought upon seeing Antonio Gates’ full deal: wht do Vincent Jackson, Marcus McNeill & Shawne Merriman think?God Bless.”

Source: Associated Press

By Bernie Wilson

Antonio Gates inks a 5 year deal worth $36 Million.

SAN DIEGO (AP)—Antonio Gates has caught plenty of big passes for the San Diego Chargers, and on Wednesday he hauled in the biggest contract ever given to an NFL tight end.

Gates agreed to a $36.175 million, five-year contract extension, with $20.4 million guaranteed, according to a person familiar with the deal, who spoke on the condition of anonymity because the figures weren’t released. The deal averages $7.235 million per season from 2011-15.

A college basketball star at Kent State, Gates blossomed from a rookie free agent in 2003 to a superstar who is a three-time All-Pro and six-time Pro Bowler.

With three other star players unhappy about their contracts, talks with Gates apparently intensified this week. Gates and other veterans are due to report to training camp on Thursday, with the first full-squad practice on Friday.

“I’ve been blessed my whole career to be with one team,” Gates said in a statement released by the team. “It’s always good to get it out of the way. The goal is to win a championship. We all are human and it becomes a distraction even though you might not want it to be. It’s always great to be able to go ahead and do what you need to do and get it out of the way.”

It wasn’t clear if getting Gates’ deal done would lead to new deals for restricted free agents Marcus McNeill, Vincent Jackson and Shawne Merriman.

McNeill, the left tackle who protects quarterback Philip Rivers’ blind side, and Jackson, a Pro Bowl wide receiver with two straight 1,000-yard seasons, are unhappy that they haven’t been given long-term deals and are expected to hold out through training camp and the season’s first 10 games. They are expected to return for the final six games to accrue another season toward unrestricted free agency.

Jackson and McNeill were tendered one-year deals at just more than $3 million each. When they didn’t sign the offers by June 15, the Chargers were entitled to offer them their same salaries as 2009, resulting in a loss of about $2.5 million each.

Merriman hasn’t signed his tender for $3.269 million, but the outside linebacker was due a 10 percent raise anyway, which would put his 2010 pay at approximately the tender amount. Still, he hasn’t said when he’ll report.

These negotiations between Gates and the Chargers went much more smoothly than in 2005.

Gates held out during training camp that year, leading general manager A.J. Smith to take the extreme measure of placing him on the roster exempt list in an attempt to break the impasse, automatically triggering a three-game suspension. Gates missed the final two exhibition games and the season opener, which the Chargers lost.

Gates dumped the agent who represented him then and hired Tom Condon.

Smith said in a statement that Gates’ work ethic and desire are unmatched. Smith didn’t return calls seeking further comment.

Since his rookie season, Gates leads tight ends in touchdown catches with 59. He ranks second in yards, 6,223, and third in catches, 479. Gates has led the Chargers in catches each of the last six seasons. In 2009, he topped the Bolts with 79 catches and a career-best 1,157 yards, with eight touchdowns.

This is the second big contract for a Chargers player in less than a year. Rivers was given a contract extension worth nearly $93 million toward the end of last year’s training camp.

NOTES: The Chargers don’t appear close to signing RB Ryan Mathews, the No. 12 overall draft pick and the heir apparent to LaDainian Tomlinson. Mathews missed three practices for rookies and select veterans. … San Diego coach Norv Turner canceled Thursday’s practice. … Turner said third-year pro Brandyn Dombrowski sits atop the depth chart at left tackle and will get first crack at starting in McNeill’s place, with Tra Thomas, 35, providing depth. “That’s great news, but it’s the beginning of training camp and I’m not taking anything for granted,” Dombrowski said Wednesday. “I’m going to take advantage of the reps I get with the first team and try to make the most of this opportunity.” Dombrowski was a super-sub last season, making two starts at right guard and seven starts at right tackle in place of injured teammates. While he hasn’t played left tackle at any level, Dombrowski said he’s more comfortable playing on the left side.

Source: Associated Press

Josh Reed

SAN DIEGO (AP)—The San Diego Chargers signed free agent wide receiver Josh Reed(notes) to a one-year contract on Friday.

Signing Reed apparently is a pre-emptive move. Pro Bowl wide receiver Vincent Jackson is one of three Chargers players who are so unhappy about being tendered one-year contracts as restricted free agents that they have stayed away from offseason workouts, including minicamp. The others are left tackle Marcus McNeill and outside linebacker Shawne Merriman.

Their holdouts could extend into the regular season.

The Bills allowed Reed to leave as a free agent after the 2009 season, when he had 27 catches for 291 yards and one touchdown.

On Wednesday, the Chargers signed three-time Pro Bowl left tackle Tra Thomas as insurance in case McNeill continues his holdout.

Tuesday is the deadline for clubs to withdraw original qualifying offers to unsigned restricted free agents and still retain exclusive negotiating rights by substituting a tender of 110 percent of the previous year’s salary.

Merriman was tendered at $3,269,000, Jackson at $3,268,000 and McNeill at $3,168,000.

Wide receiver Malcom Floyd signed his $3,168,000 tender and ended his holdout on Monday.

Source: USA Today

Vincent Jackson

The Chargers have sent a shot over the bow regarding the contracts of two star players as their offseason program winds down before everyone takes a few weeks off leading into training camp.

The San Diego Union-Tribune reported that the Chargers sent letters to wide receiver Vincent Jackson and left tackle Marcus McNeill informing the players that their restricted free agent tender offers would be dramatically slashed if not signed by June 15. That’s the deadline for teams to withdraw their original qualifying offers to unrestricted free agents and still retain exclusive negotiation rights. They have to instead offer a tender of 110 percent of last year’s salary.

According to the report, the team threatened to reduce Vincent’s tender from $3.268 million to $583,000 and McNeill’s from $3.168 million to $600,000.

The paper also cited sources who said the players would consider sitting out the 2010 season in a contract dispute if it comes to that.

The one piece of good news for the Chargers on Monday came when Malcolm Floyd signed his one-year, $3.168 million tender.

—Tight end Antonio Gates says it, so we’ll believe it: his foot is fine.

“Just taking precautionary action because of the struggles in the past and all the things I have been through,” Gates said Friday. “It never was a major problem; it was something I wanted to make sure wasn’t any worse.”

The Chargers conducted minicamp without their stellar tight end. Gates was out with a foot injury, and oh, isn’t that a road we’ve been done before?

With his various foot ailments behind him, Gates was solid last year: a team-high 79 catches for 1,157 yards and eight touchdowns.

Then instead of Gates being at the minicamp sessions, he was being examined by the same North Carolina foot specialist who previously doctored him.

But Gates, a six-time Pro Bowler, said it’s a minor injury on the “other” foot.

He has a slight case of plantar fasciitis, but in his right, not left foot.

“That was the one that compensated though everything the last couple of years,” said Gates, who resumes running in two-to-three weeks. “The right foot has been more than special for me if I must say so.”

Gates’ skills come with wisdom. He’s aware the clock is ticking on the Chargers cashing in big. Those four straight AFC West titles are dandy, but…

“We all know the opportunity window closes as time passes and that is one thing we are all aware of in this locker room, especially me and the guys that have been around,” Gates said.

“You get a small percentage of trying to win the championship, period, in your whole career. When you think about it, the odds of winning are so small that you have to take advantage of it whenever having the opportunity and we understand that. Gates gets it. And for the Chargers to get to a Super Bowl there’s better time.

“Hey, next year some things might change,” Gates said. “You can see it has changed dramatically from last year to now.”

Gates swears he’ll be fine by training camp and nothing dramatically is wrong with his foot.

In Gates’ case, the right foot.

“I think he was smart taking care of himself,” quarterback Philip Rivers said. “You saw last year he was healthy for the season and that was his best year.”

NOTES, QUOTES

—TE Randy McMichael signed with the Chargers to back up Antonio Gates. Terms were not disclosed.

With Brandon Manumaleuna now with the Bears, San Diego wanted a veteran presence behind Gates. McMichael, 30, caught 34 passes while starting all 16 games for St. Louis last season.

“Randy has been a targeted player for us for some time now,” GM A.J. Smith said in a statement. “With the departure of Brandon to the Bears, we wanted to sign another veteran. We were hoping that would be Randy.”

—Ryan Mathews finally got to dip his toe into the NFL waters.

OK, it was minicamp — which can be glorified touch football.

But even if it was just jerseys and shorts, Mathews got a taste of the pros.

Unable to attend previous OTAs because of school, Mathews’ learning curve was on a minicamp fast track.

“I still have a lot to learn but it was real fun,” said Mathews, the Chargers’ top pick.

The key, the Chargers think, isn’t getting Mathews to find the right hole. He proved at Fresno State he is a sensational prospect.

What the Chargers are concerned about is pass protection. When there’s $92 million invested in quarterback Philip Rivers, he must be kept upright.

So for Mathews to see the field more, he has to see more than daylight and then running to it. He needs to know the daylights out of pass-rusher — or at least impede their path to Rivers.

Coach Norv Turner thinks Mathews has an edge. Not only has he proven, in this short time, to be football smart, but Mathews has some good teachers.

“If you’re Ryan Mathews and playing running back and you got (Darren) Sproles there, Jacob (Hester) there and (Mike) Tolbert there, those are guys that really understand what we are doing,” Turner said. “So they help speed the process.

“Ryan is a real sharp guy and I’m really pleased in what he got done this week.

But any talk of Mathews quickly turns to running. With the Chargers turning the page on the LaDainian Tomlinson Era, all eyes are on Mathews.

“One thing that is exciting is when he knows what to do and gets that ball in his hands,” Turner said. “He is an exciting runner.”

—TE Antonio Gates was noticing the number of new faces at minicamp, while also noting the absence of LaDainian Tomlinson. “It’s always weird,” he said, of not spotting No. 21. “I played with him for so long. I was one of the guys who was around when we were doing that whole rebuilding thing.”

—QB Jonathon Crompton, the team’s fifth-round pick, signed a four-year contract.

—Coach Norv Turner enjoyed having former USC and Rams coach John Robinson at training camp practices last year. But Robinson’s time is getting stretched — he’s coaching defense at nearby San Marcos High School next season.

—WR Buster Davis neglected again to take advantage of an opportunity. With Jackson and Floyd skipping the minicamp, Davis was mostly sideline with a concussion. Davis, a former first-round pick, continues to be plagued by various injuries.

—SS Kevin Ellison, who started the second half of last season, was told by team officials not to attend the minicamp because of his recent arrest on a drug charge.

—K Nate Kaeding got in his first work since injuring his groin in Pro Bowl workouts. Many are interested to see how Kaeding rebounds after missing three field goals in the Chargers’ playoff loss to the Jets.

—The Chargers start their final OTA sessions next week.

QUOTE TO NOTE: “We don’t take it for granted and you can tell we got the sense of urgency.” — TE Antonio Gates on the Chargers window of opportunity.

STRATEGY AND PERSONNEL

FRANCHISE PLAYER: None.

TRANSITION PLAYER: None.

UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS

—C Dennis Norman is at a spot where the team has depth and likely won’t come back.

UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS (not tendered offers)

—*OLB Marques Harris (not tendered as RFA) is a decent pass rusher but the Chargers will likely see him go where he would get more of a chance to contribute.

—*LB Dontarrious Thomas (not tendered as RFA) seldom saw the field when arriving late last year and appears to be a goner.

RESTRICTED FREE AGENTS (*indicates restricted because of uncapped year)

—*WR Malcom Floyd (tendered at $3.168M with first- and third-round picks as compensation) could likely get more passes thrown his way elsewhere, but he likes San Diego and will likely take a little less to remain here.

—*WR Vincent Jackson (tendered at $3.268M with first- and third-round picks as compensation) is the team’s top receiver and will be brought back — unless the team has grown tired of his immaturity; that’s doubtful after two 1,000-yard seasons.

—*LT Marcus McNeill (tendered at $3.168M with first- and third-round picks as compensation) is a stud at left tackle and among the team’s biggest offseason priorities.

—*OLB Shawne Merriman (tendered at $3.168M with first- and third-round picks as compensation) will return, possibly, if willing to swallow his pride and lower his price tag. A motivated Merriman playing on a one-year deal could be attractive to the Chargers.

EXCLUSIVE RIGHTS FREE AGENTS: None.

DRAFT CHOICES SIGNED

—QB Jonathan Crompton (5/168): 4 yrs, terms unknown.

PLAYERS RE-SIGNED

—OLB Antwan Applewhite: ERFA; $470,000/1 yr.

—DT Alfonso Boone: UFA; 2 yrs, terms unknown.

—OT Jeromey Clary: RFA; (tendered at $1.684M with second-round pick as compensation); $1.684M/1 yr.

—*DT Antonio Garay: Not tendered as RFA; terms unknown.

—*DE Travis Johnson: RFA; (tendered at $1.226M with first-round pick as compensation); $1.226M/1 yr.

—DT Ian Scott: UFA; 1 yr, terms unknown.

—*RB Darren Sproles: RFA; (tendered at $7.283M with first- and third-round picks as compensation); $7.283M/1 yr.

—FB Mike Tolbert: ERFA; $470,000/1 yr.

—TE Kris Wilson: UFA; 2 yrs, terms unknown.

PLAYERS ACQUIRED

—RB Marcus Mason (waivers Redskins).

—CB Donald Strickland: FA Jets; 2 yrs, terms unknown.

—CB Nate Vasher: FA Bears; $4.5M/2 yrs.

PLAYERS LOST

—RB Michael Bennett (released).

—WR Demetrius Byrd (released/non-football injury).

—CB Antonio Cromartie (traded Jets).

—*ILB Tim Dobbins (traded Dolphins), had been re-signed as RFA; (tendered at $1.176M with fifth-round pick as compensation); $1.176M/1 yr.

—*C Eric Ghiaciuc: Not tendered as RFA/Browns; terms unknown.

—TE Brandon Manumaleuna: UFA Bears; $15M/5 yrs, $$2M SB/$3M RB.

—WR Kassim Osgood: UFA Jaguars; $6.675M/3 yrs, $2.975M guaranteed.

—OT Jon Runyan: UFA (retired).

—RB LaDainian Tomlinson (released).

—*QB Charlie Whitehurst: RFA; (tendered at $1.176M with third-round pick as compensation); re-signed, traded to Seahawks.

—NT Jamal Williams (released).