Roster

Several members of San Diego's defense played well Sunday against Denver. DB Eric Weddle had 11 tackles, DB Quentin Jammer had two tackles, DB Antonio Cromartie had four tackles, LB Shaun Phillips had three tackles, LB Stephen Cooper had six tackles, DB Paul Oliver had two tackles and an interception and DL Luis Castillo had one tackle and an interception.

The Chargers drafted RB Gartrell Johnson from Colorado State in the fourth round of the NFL Draft on Sunday with overall pick No. 134. Johnson ran for more 1,200 yards as a senior last year and ran for 957 yards as a part-time starter in 2007. He also caught 32 passes for 295 yards out of the backfield as a senior.

The official team Web site reports that Chargers TE Antonio Gates was not in every practice during the club's recent minicamp. He worked out on Friday, but not Saturday as he recovers from toe and ankle problems stemming from last season. Gates says his ankle still hurts him. "(Gates) is just going to be on and off a little bit," coach Norv Turner said. "It's the same deal with some of these guys that are continuing on their rehab."

Ankle, Toe - Probable for the start of 2009 training camp

Notable inactives from the Broncos-Chargers Week 17 game include: Broncos DB Marlon McCree, DB Jack Williams, RB Alex Haynes, RB Andrew Pinnock, LB Niko Koutouvides, TE Chad Mustard and DL Jarvis Moss. For the Chargers, QB Charlie Whitehurst, LB Brandon Siler, RB Michael Bennett, RB Billy Latsko, WR Malcom Floyd and DL Ian Scott are inactive.

Chargers DL Ryon Bingham had two assisted tackles and 1/2 sack during a Week 4 win against the Raiders.

Notable inactives from the Broncos-Chargers Week 17 game include: Broncos DB Marlon McCree, DB Jack Williams, RB Alex Haynes, RB Andrew Pinnock, LB Niko Koutouvides, TE Chad Mustard and DL Jarvis Moss. For the Chargers, QB Charlie Whitehurst, LB Brandon Siler, RB Michael Bennett, RB Billy Latsko, WR Malcom Floyd and DL Ian Scott are inactive.

Notable inactives from the Broncos-Chargers Week 17 game include: Broncos DB Marlon McCree, DB Jack Williams, RB Alex Haynes, RB Andrew Pinnock, LB Niko Koutouvides, TE Chad Mustard and DL Jarvis Moss. For the Chargers, QB Charlie Whitehurst, LB Brandon Siler, RB Michael Bennett, RB Billy Latsko, WR Malcom Floyd and DL Ian Scott are inactive.

Chargers LB Brandon Siler, dealing with a foot injury during the week, played Sunday in the Divisional Playoff game at Pittsburgh. He finished with three tackles, including two solo.

Chargers head coach Norv Turner told the official team Web site that LB Shawne Merriman is well on his way back from the knee surgery he had early on last year. Merriman is lifting weights on a regular basis and is on track to be ready for the 2009 season. "It's very similar to where Philip (Rivers) was last year at this point with the exception of the fact that Shawne plays a different position," Turner said. "Shawne is further along from a time standpoint because Philip had his in February after the season and Shawne's surgery was done in September. He's in a similar mode in that he's working hard to get to the point where when we get going in our offseason program and are out there in the field, he's strong enough and far enough along in the rehab that he can go out with our athletic trainers and start having activity on the field."

Knee - Questionable for the start of 2009 training camp

According to agent Drew Rosenhaus on his Twitter account, Chargers WR Kassim Osgood could be switching positions. Said Rosenhaus: "Kassim Osgood is hoping this season he gets a chance to contribute as a receiver or safety. He can be much more than a special teams player."

According to the team web site, San Diego restricted free agent WR Malcom Floyd signed his one-year contract offer Friday and will be at offseason workouts Monday. The big-play WR has been absent from the team's offseason activities to this point, but on Friday, Floyd signed the one-year contract tender the team offered the restricted free agent. With the business issues taken care of, Floyd is glad he can now focus on football. "You want to make sure that you're doing what's best for you and your family," Floyd said, "but at the same time I knew I was missing out by not being here. It's been hard being away for a month and a half with everything going on."

Several members of San Diego's defense played well Sunday against Denver. DB Eric Weddle had 11 tackles, DB Quentin Jammer had two tackles, DB Antonio Cromartie had four tackles, LB Shaun Phillips had three tackles, LB Stephen Cooper had six tackles, DB Paul Oliver had two tackles and an interception and DL Luis Castillo had one tackle and an interception.

According to the team web site, the Chargers are hopeful receivers Craig Davis and Legedu Naanee, who were both drafted in 2007, will show improvement this year. Davis, the first-round pick two years ago, had his season cut short last fall when he was forced to undergo a groin operation. Davis knows that this offseason is key as he tries to put past injuries behind him and cash in on his yet-untapped talent. Naanee has been productive when he's had opportunities and will likely see his role continue to grow in his third NFL season. Naanee's size, speed and athleticism make him another valuable asset. The only issue seems to be finding him enough touches in an offense that features so many talented skill players.

Chargers running back Darren Sproles on Tuesday signed the $6,621,000 million contract he was tendered as the team's franchise player. He is expected to have a sizable role as part of the Chargers' run game in 2009.

The Chargers listed the following players as inactive for Week 11 at Pittsburgh: QB Charlie Whitehurst (3rd QB), WR Craig Davis, FB Kris Wilson, DB Cletis Gordon, DB Steve Gregory, DB DeJuan Tibble, DT Ian Scott and OL Kynan Forney.

Chargers DB Antoine Cason had five tackles and an interception, which he returned for a touchdown Sunday at Tampa Bay.

Chargers defensive tackle Jamal Williams pleaded guilty to two traffic violations on Thursday as part of a plea deal stemming from his arrest Feb. 1. Williams had been arrested on suspicion of DUI, but the San Diego City Attorney's office decided to charge him with misdemeanor reckless driving after his blood-alcohol level showed 0.07 percent, under the state limit of 0.08. In the plea deal, Williams pleaded guilty to a lane-change violation and speeding. He will pay a fine and take an eight-hour traffic safety class.

The Chargers signed the following players to Reserve/Futures contracts: LB Eric Bakhtiari, WR Gary Banks, RB Eldra Buckley, DE Andre Coleman, CBs Grant Mason and DeJuan Tribble, and DT Ogemdi Nwagbuo.

Notable inactives from the Broncos-Chargers Week 17 game include: Broncos DB Marlon McCree, DB Jack Williams, RB Alex Haynes, RB Andrew Pinnock, LB Niko Koutouvides, TE Chad Mustard and DL Jarvis Moss. For the Chargers, QB Charlie Whitehurst, LB Brandon Siler, RB Michael Bennett, RB Billy Latsko, WR Malcom Floyd and DL Ian Scott are inactive.

The Chargers released five players on Tuesday to get their roster down to 75 players, notes the team's official website. Quarterback Casey Bramlet, WR Billy Pittman, TE John Tereshinski and WR Marco Thomas.

Linebacker Kevin Burnett agreed to terms on a two-year contract with the Chargers on Tuesday. Burnett leaves the Cowboys, for whom he played the past four seasons after being drafted in the second round in 2005 out of Tennessee. Burnett, who also plays special teams, had 38 tackles and two sacks in 2008, and his 19 special teams tackles were second on the Cowboys. The Cowboys run a defense much like what the Chargers use. "It's very, very similar," Burnett said. "It's a lot of the same calls. Obviously people do things different from team to team, but it should be a pretty easy transition."

Several members of San Diego's defense played well Sunday against Denver. DB Eric Weddle had 11 tackles, DB Quentin Jammer had two tackles, DB Antonio Cromartie had four tackles, LB Shaun Phillips had three tackles, LB Stephen Cooper had six tackles, DB Paul Oliver had two tackles and an interception and DL Luis Castillo had one tackle and an interception.

LaDainian Tomlinson laughs about the phone call he got on his 30th birthday this week from his younger brother, who referred to the Chargers' running back as an "ancient old man." As for the thought that others might be ready to apply the same label, L.T. shows a sly grin. The skeptics have their reasons to wonder about the 2006 NFL MVP, who has played all eight seasons in San Diego and got a reworked three-year deal in March. Tomlinson is coming off a career-low 1,110 yards rushing, though that was still fourth in the AFC. Slowed by a toe injury most of last season, L.T. hurt his groin in the season finale. He was forced out of an overtime playoff victory against Indianapolis, then sat out the next week against Pittsburgh - the first time he missed a game in his career because of injury. Tomlinson started offseason workouts in March and said he hasn't had any problems. The only change from past years is that he sees more doctors, including a therapist recommended by NFL career rushing leader Emmitt Smith. Tomlinson said his energy level is still high and that he works out as hard as he always has. He insists there are no lingering aches and pains, and has even another reason to know that his legs are still good: He can still dunk a basketball. "That's the one thing that I'm eager to prove, is that doesn't necessarily go for every player. Turn 30, that doesn't mean that you can't play any more," Tomlinson said two days after his birthday. "There are some guys out there that defy the odds, and I'm eager to prove that."

Groin - Probable for start of training camp

Several members of San Diego's defense played well Sunday against Denver. DB Eric Weddle had 11 tackles, DB Quentin Jammer had two tackles, DB Antonio Cromartie had four tackles, LB Shaun Phillips had three tackles, LB Stephen Cooper had six tackles, DB Paul Oliver had two tackles and an interception and DL Luis Castillo had one tackle and an interception.

In an interview with The Sporting News, San Diego QB Philip Rivers said he's been lucky to be part of the same draft class as Ben Roethlisberger and Eli Manning. He said he also benefits from playing with Drew Brees early in his career. "All four guys have continued to improve and have good careers," Rivers said. "The one thing I really appreciated was the relationship with Drew here my first two years, what I learned from him about pushing myself and competing. He's meant a lot to this organization. Eli and Ben have a handful of Super Bowls and obviously have played great, and here in San Diego we've won a lot of football games. Since 2004, we're in the top four in games won in that span. New England, Indianapolis and the Steelers are the only teams that have won more."

Several members of San Diego's defense played well Sunday against Denver. DB Eric Weddle had 11 tackles, DB Quentin Jammer had two tackles, DB Antonio Cromartie had four tackles, LB Shaun Phillips had three tackles, LB Stephen Cooper had six tackles, DB Paul Oliver had two tackles and an interception and DL Luis Castillo had one tackle and an interception.

Chargers LB Tim Dobbins led his team in tackles Week 8 against the Saints in England. He finished with nine total -- seven solo -- and also had a forced fumble.

The San Diego Union-Tribune reports that Chargers WR Vincent Jackson is having a solid offseason and could be in line to post even better numbers this year than he did in 2008. He is coming off a season that saw him have 59 catches for 1,098 yards (18.6 avg.) and seven touchdowns -- all career-highs. The paper speculates that Jackson might make "a push to be considered one of the league's best receivers."

San Diego RB Jacob Hester had eight carries for 37 yards and a touchdown and two catches for 19 yards against Denver in the season finale. The Chargers won the game and will face Indianapolis in the first round of the playoffs.

In the Chargers' win at Tampa Bay in Week 16, TE Kris Wilson, backup QB Billy Volek, FB Mike Tolbert and FB Jacob Hester were active but didn't record any stats.

Notable inactives for the Colts-Chargers Week 12 game include: Colts SS Bob Sanders, DB Brandon Foster, LB Buster Davis, TE Jamie Petrowski, WR Roy Hall, DT Daniel Muir and DE Curtis Johnson. For the Chargers, QB Charlie Whitehurst, CB Cletis Gordon, RB Michael Bennett, TE Kris Wilson, DE Luis Castillo and DT Ian Scott are inactive.

The Chargers released 21 players Saturday to reach the NFL's mandatory 53-man roster limit. The players included: WR Ricky Bryant, T Jeromey Clary, RB Larry Croom, QB Brett Elliott, FB Jonathan Evans, LB Akbar Gbaja-Biamila, CB Steve Gregory, TE Kelly Griffeth, RB Tyronne Gross, T Ben Johnson, S Andre Lott, DT Brandon McKinney, S Mitch Meeuwsen, C Nick Mihlhauser, S Hanik Milligan, WR Robert Ortiz, DE Chase Page, RB Ray Perkins, LB Jonathan Pollard, G Wes Sims, DT Alvin Smith

According to the team web site, the Chargers are hopeful receivers Craig Davis and Legedu Naanee, who were both drafted in 2007, will show improvement this year. Davis, the first-round pick two years ago, had his season cut short last fall when he was forced to undergo a groin operation. Davis knows that this offseason is key as he tries to put past injuries behind him and cash in on his yet-untapped talent. Naanee has been productive when he's had opportunities and will likely see his role continue to grow in his third NFL season. Naanee's size, speed and athleticism make him another valuable asset. The only issue seems to be finding him enough touches in an offense that features so many talented skill players.

The Chargers signed the following players to Reserve/Futures contracts: LB Eric Bakhtiari, WR Gary Banks, RB Eldra Buckley, DE Andre Coleman, CBs Grant Mason and DeJuan Tribble, and DT Ogemdi Nwagbuo.

The Chargers drafted injured WR Demetrius Byrd from LSU in the seventh round of the NFL Draft on Sunday with pick No. 224 overall. Byrd's condition was upgraded from critical to good on Friday, and he was moved out of the intensive care unit at a Miami hospital following a car accident Sunday. Byrd was injured in a one-car accident in his hometown of Miami on Friday. He played in the 2007 and 2008 seasons at LSU. Before the accident, he was expected to be selected between the fifth and seventh rounds on the second day of the NFL draft on Sunday, and now he knows his next destination.

Undisclosed - Questionable for the start of 2009 training camp

Several members of San Diego's defense played well Sunday against Denver. DB Eric Weddle had 11 tackles, DB Quentin Jammer had two tackles, DB Antonio Cromartie had four tackles, LB Shaun Phillips had three tackles, LB Stephen Cooper had six tackles, DB Paul Oliver had two tackles and an interception and DL Luis Castillo had one tackle and an interception.

Chargers K Nate Kaeding made a 42-yard field goal and had three extra points Sunday in a Divisional Playoff game at Pittsburgh. He missed some practice time with a groin injury leading up to the game.

In the Chargers' 22-21 win at the Chiefs in Week 15, notable defenders included: LB Stephen Cooper (11 total tackles, interception), LB Shaun Phillips and SS Eric Weddle (five solo tackles each) and DL Antwan Applewhite (five total tackles, forced fumble).

In the Chargers' win at Tampa Bay in Week 16, TE Kris Wilson, backup QB Billy Volek, FB Mike Tolbert and FB Jacob Hester were active but didn't record any stats.

Chargers DB Clinton Hart and LB Jyles Tucker each chipped in Sunday at Tampa Bay. Hart had three tackles and a fumble recovery and Tucker had three tackles and a sack.

Chargers DL Jacques Cesaire had three tackles in Week 11 at Pittsburgh. He finished with two sacks in the game.

Chargers WR Chris Chambers caught four passes for 72 yards Sunday in a Divisional Playoff game at Pittsburgh. The 72 yards represented his most since he had 83 in Week 2.

The Chargers signed the following players to Reserve/Futures contracts: LB Eric Bakhtiari, WR Gary Banks, RB Eldra Buckley, DE Andre Coleman, CBs Grant Mason and DeJuan Tribble, and DT Ogemdi Nwagbuo.

The following players have been named to San Diego's practice squad Sunday: LB Antwan Applewhite, WR Gary Banks, S Tra Battle, RB Eldra Buckley, DE Andre Coleman, DE Keith Grennan and FB David Kirtman.

The San Diego Chargers have signed fifth-round draft pick Brandon Hughes to a four-year deal. Hughes, a cornerback from Oregon State, is the first member of the 2009 draft class to sign.

San Diego TE Brandon Manumaleuna had two catches for 17 yards and a touchdown Sunday against Denver in the season finale. Manumaleuna helped the Chargers beat the Broncos to win the AFC West title and advance to the first round of the playoffs against Indianapolis.

The Chargers signed the following players to Reserve/Futures contracts: LB Eric Bakhtiari, WR Gary Banks, RB Eldra Buckley, DE Andre Coleman, CBs Grant Mason and DeJuan Tribble, and DT Ogemdi Nwagbuo.

Chargers DB Clinton Hart and LB Jyles Tucker each chipped in Sunday at Tampa Bay. Hart had three tackles and a fumble recovery and Tucker had three tackles and a sack.

Several members of San Diego's defense played well Sunday against Denver. DB Eric Weddle had 11 tackles, DB Quentin Jammer had two tackles, DB Antonio Cromartie had four tackles, LB Shaun Phillips had three tackles, LB Stephen Cooper had six tackles, DB Paul Oliver had two tackles and an interception and DL Luis Castillo had one tackle and an interception.

In the Chargers' win at Tampa Bay in Week 16, TE Kris Wilson, backup QB Billy Volek, FB Mike Tolbert and FB Jacob Hester were active but didn't record any stats.

San Diego LB Matt Wilhelm recorded his first interception of the season in the second half of Week 14's destruction of the Raiders. Wilhelm picked off Andrew Walter and added two tackles.