Chargers: Camp report | 
Judge
SAN DIEGO -- Observations from San Diego Chargers camp:
1. Center Nick Hardwick continues to be sidelined by an injured foot that required surgery, and he could miss part of the first half of the season. General manager A.J. Smith said he's not concerned, but he should be if Hardwick has a setback with his recovery. Backup center Jeremy Newberry has a history of knee injuries and might have trouble holding up for more than part of the season. "This is no sleight to Jeremy or Cory Withrow," quarterback Philip Rivers said, "because they've been playing a long time, but Nick means a lot to this team, with the way that he plays with his fire, his passion and his communication. Like anything, you put a different quarterback under center, and it can throw you off. The same goes for the offensive line. They get used to how guys make the calls. Jeremy and I are still getting used to each other, and the No. 1 thing on my list in training camp is to make sure he and I are in synch."
2. They will not ... repeat ... WILL NOT ... be signing free-agent safety John Lynch. When I was in Denver, members of that organization said they anticipated that Lynch, who grew up in San Diego, would sign with the Chargers before training camp was over. Wrong. Lynch did contact the club but was told he wasn't wanted.
3. Tight end Antonio Gates should be good to go for the season opener. That's the word from the coaching staff, and that's the word from Gates, who hasn't been cleared for takeoff following toe surgery. "It's just time," Gates said. "I've made tremendous strides from the beginning of camp until now, and, hopefully, that will continue to improve to get me back to 100 percent. I'm about 75-80 now. If there were a game today I probably could play, but I wouldn't be 100 percent." Gates isn't sure if he'll play in the preseason, saying "it might not benefit me." However, he also said, "If I feel good by Week Two or Week Three, I might say, 'Let's give it a shot.' "
4. With no Michael Turner the Chargers will turn to Darren Sproles or rookie Jacob Hester when running back LaDainian Tomlinson needs a breather. "It will depend on the situation," coach Norv Turner said. Sproles is small, quick and elusive -- and a threat in the open field. Hester is more of a short-yardage back who is especially effective around the goal line. Both have looked good in camp.
5. Quarterback Philip Rivers wears a protective knee brace in practices and said he will continue to wear it during this season. "It's really not a concern," he said. "When I put it on, and the pants are tight I notice it. But after you get going for five minutes I don't know it's on." Rivers has been on for training camp, with coaches raving about his throwing and his ability to recover quickly from major offseason knee surgery.
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