Chargers Notebook: Norv Turner expects O-line to remain same

Chargers coach Norv Turner moved up practice a few minutes Thursday to avoid scattered showers that were at times heavy. After practice, Turner revealed more than he normally does regarding his expectations for this week’s game-day active roster.

LT Mike Harris (ankle) was the only change in the practice report. Harris was limited Wednesday but fully participated on Thursday. Harris did not play last week and despite his return to practice is not expected to start against the Panthers on Sunday. “I don’t know if he is ready to go play yet,” Turner said. “We will see where he is at tomorrow. I would assume we would play this game like we did last week.”

Last Sunday, the O-line featured three players who did not start the previous week -- RT Reggie Wells, LG Rex Hadnot and LT Kevin Haslam. The trio and the O-line as a whole played much better than expected. QB Philip Rivers was only sacked once, and that wasn't even a loss as he was pushed out of bounds for no gain.

Haslam received his first career start and is looking forward to playing again. “It feels good,” Haslam said. “It also feels like a bigger responsibility. With a starting role in the NFL comes a lot of responsibility. I am obviously grateful and ready for that opportunity.”

ILB Donald Butler (groin) and ILB Demorrio Williams (ankle) missed practice again. Turner revealed that he doesn’t expect either to be active this week. San Diego signed ILB Gary Guyton on Wednesday and he will play.

It remains uncertain if Guyton or backup ILB Andrew Gachkar will start. Guyton may play more on defense because Gachkar is a key contributor on special teams. “We don’t want to take away their ability on what they do on teams,” defensive coordinator John Pagano said.

Butler and Williams play at weakside ILB. Backup strong ILB Jonas Mouton will not switch sides. “We try not to move guys,” Pagano said. “That is more in game-type of situations. Each guy is prepared, but you would like to keep each guy focused in on their spots during the week.”

WR Eddie Royal (hamstring) remained limited after returning to practice. Royal has been inactive the last three games, and Turner said he expects him to miss again this week.

This will lead to continued work in the slot for WR-KR Micheal Spurlock. Spurlock had seven catches for 64 yards Sunday. He was re-signed Nov. 28 after being released Oct 3. “Every time you go out is an opportunity,” Spurlock said. “Just go out and play ball and make plays. Don’t worry about the rest.”

Injury Report: RB Ronnie Brown (hamstring), ILB Butler (groin), RT Jeromey Clary (knee), LG Tyronne Green (hamstring) and ILB Williams (ankle) did not practice. WR Royal (hamstring) was limited. LT Harris (ankle) and DE Kendall Reyes fully participated.

Blacked out: Per NFL policy, Sunday’s home game against the Panthers will not be shown live in Southern California. This includes all signals within a 75-mile radius of the stadium and those areas whose television signal reaches within that 75-mile zone. The League’s policy affects all telecasts, including cable and satellite. Nearly 11,000 general admission tickets remain available.

What’s next: The Chargers will practice Friday morning.