Chargers defensive coordinator John Pagano is preparing his unit to contain a Browns’ team that has 16 rookies on its roster. (US Presswire)

The San Diego Chargers (3-3) practiced in pads Thursday in preparation for Sunday’s game against the Browns (1-6). The Browns feature 16 rookies on their active roster, many of whom play major roles on offense.

The Browns' explosive rookie class includes QB Brandon Weeden, WR Josh Gordon and RB Trent Richardson. Other rookies who contribute on offense are RT Mitchell Schwartz, WR Travis Benjamin and WR Josh Cooper.

“They are a talented group and a young group,” coach Norv Turner said. “The one thing I would say about them is they are getting better each week.”

Facing so many rookies can present a unique challenge in preparing for a game because there is less game tape of them and an inconsistency in play. “You have to impress on your players to watch each individual player and watch what they are capable of doing,” Turner said. “They have a lot of players who have been impressive in terms of individual plays.”

Defensive coordinator John Pagano agreed with Turner that the Browns are more talented than their record indicates. “They are an explosive team,” Pagano said. “The quarterback is doing an excellent job of really understanding the game and seeing his reads and where he needs to go with the ball.”

CB Antoine Cason perceives the Browns' rookie class as a threat. “They are all out to prove themselves,” Cason said. “We have some veterans on this team. What better way to try to prove yourself? So, it’s definitely a challenge for us.”

FS Eric Weddle said being unfamiliar with many of the Browns' players creates the real challenge. “They have some real talented guys,” Weddle said. “They wouldn’t be playing if they weren’t. You play against teams like this every four years. You just don’t know the ins and outs. Know what each guy likes to do. Stuff like that. This is why it is more important to know your opponent inside and out.”

Weddle said game tape indicates the Browns' rookies have dramatically improved since Week 1. “Not so much schematically,” Weddle said. “Just by playing better. Better reads, they play faster. They know what they are doing and they have shown that they can make plays. They have been close in a lot of games; they just haven’t been able to finish out.”

San Diego has had its own issues closing out games. Opponents are on a stretch of scoring 52 unanswered points in the second-half of the Chargers' past two games.

Weddle emphasized the Chargers will be prepared this week. “We don’t guess,” Weddle said. “We study. We look at what they do and we go out and play.”

Brown to miss more time: WR Vincent Brown (ankle) may be out at least another four weeks, according to coach Norv Turner. Brown is on the designated-to-return list and is eligible to come off of injured reserve and rejoin the 53-man active roster this season.

Full article on Brown: Chargers WR Vincent Brown may miss another month

Practice Report: All members of the 53-man roster participated in practice. ILB Jonas Mouton (hip) and WR Eddie Royal (hamstring) were limited. C Nick Hardwick (abdominal), LT Jared Gaither (groin), DE Vaughn Martin (neck strain) and CB Shareece Wright (ankle) were on the injury report but fully participated in practice. Hardwick, Martin, Mouton and Royal were all new additions to the list on Thursday.

What’s next: The Chargers will conclude preparations for the Browns with a walk-through practice Friday morning and then fly to Cleveland in the afternoon.

Follow Chargers reporter Dan McLellan on Twitter @CBSChargers and @sandiegosports.