Chargers Coach Norv Turner began implementing the game plan for Saturday’s preseason matchup against the Cowboys with a walk-through Thursday morning.
The players wore shells without shoulder pads for the evening full practice which was conducted at more of a teaching pace than game speed.
The first-team frequently lined up against the second or third-team on both offense and defense.
“This is more like you do in season,” coach Norv Turner said. “You don’t go ones against ones when you are preparing for a game. Your young guys are presenting the other teams’ offense and defense.”
What stood out: WR Malcom Floyd leaped over FS Eric Weddle and CB Antonio Cason for a long reception. On consecutive plays, SS Atari Bigby and ILB Demorrio Williams batted the ball away in the end zone to save a TD. WR Vincent Brown and TE Ladarius Green (round four, 110th overall pick) continued their fine week of practices with several receptions. RB Ronnie Brown saw the baulk of the carries with the first-team and will likely start against the Cowboys with Ryan Mathews (broken clavicle) out.
Position battles: Practice squad hopefuls TE Brad Taylor and WR Mike Willie made fine plays against the first-team defense. Willie hauled in a catch on the sidelines as he dove to the ground. Taylor worked his way free in the middle for multiple receptions. TE Kory Sperry had a ball batted out of his hands by ILB Takeo Spikes. The play was at half speed, but emblematic on how training camp has gone for Sperry who has seen very few touches.
Brown suspended: DE-DT Garrett Brown (undrafted 2010, Minnesota) was suspended without pay for the first four games of the 2012 regular season for violating the NFL policy on performance enhancing substances. He will remain eligible to participate in all preseason practices and games. Brown (foot) had missed several practices and it was unlikely he would make the 53-man roster or practice squad. Brown has not been released because he was already rehabbing an injury and the Chargers would have to pay him an injury settlement if released before being cleared to play by team doctors.
Injury updates: DE-DT Garrett Brown (left foot in boot), DT Antonio Garay (left foot), CB Marcus Gilchrist (hamstring), WR Richard Goodman (unknown), RB Ryan Mathews (clavicle), TE Dante Rosario (unknown), WR Eddie Royal (leg) and G Johnnie Troutman (pectoral) worked out on the side and did not practice. Also did not practice: G-T Brandyn Dombrowski (foot, cyst) and LT Jared Gaither (back spasms). Gilchrist was a new addition to the non-participants list. Turner said his hamstring tightened, but it was not torn. Turner expects several players will return to practice on Monday.
Likely to return: Garay, Gilchrist, Goodman, Rosario and Royal.
Already back: LG Tyronne Green (foot), DE Jacques Cesaire (unknown), and Quentin Jammer (unknown) returned to practice.
Blacked Out: Per NFL policy, Saturday night's game between the Chargers and the Cowboys will not be shown live in Southern California because not enough tickets have been sold.
Chargers to entertain troops: The Chargers will entertain our troops with a walk-through practice Friday morning on Marine Corps base MCCS Miramar. All practices are now closed to the public.
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