San Diego Chargers

Chargers TE Kory Sperry left Sunday's game versus the Broncos with a rib injury. He was not targeted in the game. San Diego would lose the contest, 16-13.

The Chargers have signed safety Darrell Stuckey to four-year contract. His presence allowed the Chargers to release troubled safety Kevin Ellison this week. Stuckey had 190 tackles in his final two seasons at Kansas.

San Diego LB Bront Bird was placed on season-ending injured reserve on Wednesday. Bird's season is now over.

Undisclosed - IR. Out for the season

Notable cuts by the Chargers on Saturday include: LB Kevin Bentley, DB Quinton Teal, LB Bront Bird, DE Mike Blanc, RB Curtis Brinkley, CB Ramon Broadway, DE Charlie Bryant, TE Charles Davis, DE Carl Ihenacho, DE Ogemdi Nwagbuo, RB Isaac Odim, RB Dean Rogers, CB Traye Simmons, FB Frank Summers, TE Brad Taylor, QB Scott Tolzien and LB Kion Wilson.

Linebacker Demorrio Williams, an eight year vet, has signed a one-year deal with the Chargers. Williams has 567 combined career tackles (438 solo and 129 assists), but only 7.5 sacks. Williams will likely have to compete for a job in training camp because Jonas Mouton (shoulder) should be back to full health.

Antonio Gates said he was "excited" to get back to work and not have to deal with foot injuries a month ago. On Wednesday, his head coach was excited to have him on the field. Chargers coach Norv Turner told the San Diego Union-Tribune that his star tight end is participating without incident in the team's minicamp and looks great. "He's back," Turner said. "Physically, he's back to where we want him to be. I think, like anybody, going through this offseason program helps you get better. (It's) the combination of conditioning, the combination of getting better in the areas you can improve, and being out there with your teammates."

San Diego DL Cam Thomas recorded a sack on Monday Night Football Week 13 in Jacksonville. Thomas helped the Chargers win the game as he took down Jaguars QB Blaine Gabbert. Thomas finished the game with two tackles.

Former Seahawks quarterback Charlie Whitehurst has agreed to a two-year deal to return to San Diego, the team announced on Friday. Seattle traded for Whitehurst in 2010 to compete with Matt Hasselbeck, but Whitehurst struggled to make a major play for the job, throwing just three touchdowns in two years. Whitehurst appeared in nine games and made four starts for Seattle included a season-ending victory over the St. Louis Rams in 2010 to give the Seahawks the NFC West title.

Chargers WR Richard Goodman (toe) was placed on the practice-squad injured list on Wednesday. The team re-signed WR Bryan Walters to the practice squad.

Chargers DL Corey Liuget recorded two solo tackles and one pass defensed against Buffalo in Week 14. Liuget has played in 12 games and has 10 starts, but it was only his second multiple solo-tackle game (Week 12, two solo). “I think he is a guy that is consistently improving,” coach Norv Turner said Monday. Liuget still has not recorded a sack.

The Chargers picked Melvin Ingram of South Carolina with the 18th pick overall in the NFL draft. While Ingram was a first-team All-American at defensive end, he'll be used as an outside linebacker in the Chargers' 3-4 scheme. As a senior, Ingram tied the school single-season record with 10 sacks and had 48 tackles. Coach Norv Turner said the Chargers felt Ingram was the most complete linebacker on the board. "Melvin can be an impact player," Turner said. "He doesn't have to be on the field every down. He can fit in with the mix of the guys we have. He can learn from them. I think he's going to be outstanding on third down. He has rushed inside."

Wide receiver Eddie Royal decided he wanted to stay in the AFC West -- but not in Denver. Royal signed a three-year, $13.5 million contract with the Chargers on Thursday. Royal is the second receiver the Chargers have signed since free agency began, as they also added Robert Meachem in an attempt to replace Vincent Jackson.

The Chargers were able to sign a host of picks from April's NFL Draft on Wednesday. Among them was former Mizzou LB Andrew Gachkar, who was selected in the seventh round. Gachkar's four-year deal was signed just before camp began.

Chargers general manager A.J. Smith told the San Diego Union-Tribune to "Save yourself some time and ink" by stating that he intends to keep linebacker Takeo Spikes. "Takeo Spikes isn't going anywhere," Smith said. "He will be a Charger this season. We are very fortunate to have him as part of this situation. He's a true professional in every sense of the word and brings a veteran presence in our locker room."

Chargers WR Malcom Floyd saved his finest performance of the season for Week 17 against the Raiders. He caught seven passes for 127 yards with a touchdown in the 38-26 win. He scored his fifth touchdown on the year in the fourth quarter when QB Philip Rivers found him from 43 yards out. He was targeted a team-high nine times in the contest and averaged 18.1 yards per grab. Floyd led San Diego in receiving in the victory.

Chargers DL Vaughn Martin recorded the first sack of his young career in Week 11 against the Broncos. He brought down QB Kyle Orton and finished with two tackles in the 35-14 win.

The Chargers have re-signed defensive end Luis Castillo to a one-year contract. He was released on March 5. Castillo broke his left leg in the 2011 season opener. He was placed on injured reserve on Dec. 8. This will be his eighth season.

Tibia - Questionable for start of training camp

San Diego DB Marcus Gilchrist sealed Sunday's win with an interception of backup QB Tyler Thigpen. He returned it 21 yards before falling to the ground. The Chargers went on to win the game, 37-10. He did not record a tackle in the contest.

Notable cuts by the Chargers on Saturday include: LB Kevin Bentley, DB Quinton Teal, LB Bront Bird, DE Mike Blanc, RB Curtis Brinkley, CB Ramon Broadway, DE Charlie Bryant, TE Charles Davis, DE Carl Ihenacho, DE Ogemdi Nwagbuo, RB Isaac Odim, RB Dean Rogers, CB Traye Simmons, FB Frank Summers, TE Brad Taylor, QB Scott Tolzien and LB Kion Wilson.

The Chargers placed LB Larry English (foot) on injured reserve Wednesday.

Foot - IR. Out for the season

Chargers DB Antoine Cason intercepted Jay Cutler in Week 11 and returned the ball 64 yards. He finished the game with four tackles, three solo, in San Diego's 31-20 loss to Chicago.

The San Diego Chargers have signed defensive tackle Alfonso Boone to help fill the void left when Jamal Williams was lost for the season with a triceps injury. Boone spent the last two seasons with the AFC West rival Kansas City Chiefs. He was released in the final roster cutdown. The Chargers released defensive end Andre Coleman to make room on the roster.

The Chargers have agreed to a four-year contract with linebacker Jarret Johnson. Johnson, a nine year vet, has not missed a game since 2003. Johnson has only four sacks over the past two seasons, but that could possibly be attributed to what his responsibilities were in Baltimore's defensive scheme. "I drop in coverage a lot," Johnson said. "That is not an excuse. I would love to see my sack totals go up. That is always something I want to improve on."

The Bolts locked up three defenders with their first three picks in the NFL Draft: South Carolina linebacker Melvin Ingram, UConn defensive tackle Kendall Reyes and LSU safety Brandon Taylor. Ingram is considered to be among the top pass rushers available in the draft, and that was a huge need for the Chargers. Reyes will provide some quality depth (and potentially) start along the D-line and Taylor should be a future starter who adds depth to the backfield while working on special teams.

The Jets waived the following players Saturday: TE Josh Baker, LB Matthias Berning, WR Michael Campbell, WR Dan DePalma, DT Jarron Gilbert, RB Chris Jennings, LB Eddie Jones, S Byron Landor, CB Ellis Lankster, LB Joey LaRocque, WR Scotty McKnight, S Davon Morgan, CB Julian Posey, LB Brashton Satele, WR Patrick Turner, DE Lorenzo Washington, QB Drew Willy, S Tracy Wilson and TE Keith Zinger.

Chargers LB Antwan Barnes was ejected in the first quarter of Week 17 against the Raiders. He was called for unsportsmanlike conduct after making a tackle on WR Louis Murphy and was tossed after making contact with an official. “I don’t know what got him upset," coach Norv Turner said. "I know this -- everyone who has ever played in this league knows that if an official is shoving you back and you knock his arm back, you make contact with the official, you’re going to get thrown out of the game.”

Chargers LB Shaun Phillips did a little bit of everything in Week 15 versus the Ravens. He tallied six tackles, four solo, and was credited with 1/2 a sack. Phillips also made his second interception of the season. San Diego would win the game, 34-14.

Chargers LB Donald Butler, who played through a foot injury that had him listed as probable for the Week 16 matchup with the Lions, had three tackles and a sack in the 38-10 loss.

Notable cuts by the Chargers on Saturday include: LB Kevin Bentley, DB Quinton Teal, LB Bront Bird, DE Mike Blanc, RB Curtis Brinkley, CB Ramon Broadway, DE Charlie Bryant, TE Charles Davis, DE Carl Ihenacho, DE Ogemdi Nwagbuo, RB Isaac Odim, RB Dean Rogers, CB Traye Simmons, FB Frank Summers, TE Brad Taylor, QB Scott Tolzien and LB Kion Wilson.

Chargers K Nick Novak converted most of his chances in Week 17 against the Raiders. He made 1 of 2 field goals and all five of his extra points in the 38-26 win. He made a 51-yarder in the second quarter before missing one from 44 yards in the fourth quarter.

Chargers DB Eric Weddle played in his final game of the 2011 season in Week 17 against the Raiders. He finished with five tackles and also broke up a touchdown in the 38-26 win. Weddle finished with year with 71 tackles and a career-high seven interceptions.

The Chargers announced Tuesday that head coach Norv Turner will return to the team in 2012. That means the offense currently run by the Chargers will remain the same, a big plus for quarterback Philip Rivers.

The Chargers signed former Tampa Bay wide receiver-kick returner Michael Spurlock to a one-year contract. Spurlock is one of only two players in Tampa Bay history with both a punt and kickoff return touchdown to his credit. He was the first Buccaneers player with two kickoff returns for touchdowns.

The Chiefs signed the following players to its practice squad on Sunday: Garrett Brown, Dion Gales, Bobby Greenwood, Darryl Harris, Tyler Palko, Ricky Price, Verran Tucker and Pierre Walters.

Free agent tight end Randy McMichael tweeted he will return to San Diego next season. A team source confirmed McMichael has agreed to a two-year contract. McMichael will likely continue to be the second-string TE behind Antonio Gates. Third-string TE Kory Sperry re-signed earlier in the week.

Chargers RB Jacob Hester was able to find the end zone for the first time this season in Week 10 against the Raiders. Hester was on the receiving end of a 7-yard strike from Philip Rivers in the fourth quarter. He also gained a yard rushing on one carry in the 24-17 defeat.

In addition to first-round pick DT Corey Liuget, the Chargers selected two cornerbacks and two linebackers in April's draft. The team picked up Clemson CB Marcus Gilchrist (Round 2), Michigan LB Jonas Mouton (Round 2), USC CB Shareece Wright (Round 3) and Mizzou LB Andrew Gachkar (Round 7).

Chargers coach Norv Turner told KWWN-AM in Las Vegas over the weekend that he's excited about what running back/fullback Le'Ron McClain brings to the team. He was signed as a free agent in March. "[H]e's a very versatile player and he's a big old-school fullback," Turner said. "But he's a good runner, he's got good catching skills and I think he'll be a big addition."

It didn't take long for San Diego K Nate Kaeding to suffer an injury this past season. After all, he tore his ACL while attempting to make a tackle on the first kickoff of the year. Now, Kaeding, who was placed on injured reserve after Week 1, is expected to begin kicking by the end of January. "I’m confident this thing will heal up. I’m ahead of schedule if anything," Kaeding said. "I’ll pick up where I left off. ... It’s given me a little different perspective on the game certainly and it’s without a doubt rejuvenated me."

Knee - Probable for start of training camp

ESPN speculates that the Chargers will use 2012 as a year to get tight end Ladarius Green comfortable with the offense while contributing on special teams. At 6-foot-6, 238 pounds, Green is not a prototypical bulky tight end but his height and agility gives him the ability to go up and get the ball in close coverage. Green had at least five touchdowns in three of four collegiate seasons and totaled 15 scores on 95 catches for 1,400 yards over the last two years.

The San Diego Chargers have released cornerback Dante Hughes and waived linebackers Everette Brown and Nate Triplett, and wide receiver Bryan Walters.

Robert Meachem told the North County Times that his focus this offseason is getting to know Philip Rivers and create that chemistry off the field so they can have success on the field. "The better you know each other in the locker room and joking around outside of practice really helps," Meachem said. "It's not just about running routes or studying film. It's about holding a conversation and understanding an individual personality. ... You have to build that strong relationship with your quarterback. You have to know what he sees and how that relates to what you see. The transition has been smooth, and that's what you expect with two veteran guys trying to do everything right and get on the same page. We know it's a process that takes time, and we're working through it."

Knee - Probable for start of training camp

The Chargers signed strong safety Atari Bigby to a two-year contract on Friday. The contract is reportedly worth $4.5 million. Bigby fills a major hole for the Chargers with Steve Gregory departing to the Patriots. "(Strong safety) is a position, when you look at our depth chart, where we are very thin," coach Norv Turner said earlier on Friday.

With both Mike Tolbert and Ryan Mathews both healthy, Chargers RB Curtis Brinkley has once again been reduced to the role of spectator. Brinkley, who has racked up 67 total yards and a touchdown thus far, has not seen the field since back in Week 8. San Diego will face the Bears in Week 11.

San Diego placed rookie LB Jonas Mouton on injured reserve Wednesday with a shoulder injury and ending his first NFL season. To take his roster spot, the Chargers signed safety Paul Oliver to a one-year contract.

Shoulder - IR. Out for the season

Chargers DB Nick Polk (hand) and DE Damik Scafe (leg) were placed on IR on Saturday.

Hand - IR. Out for the season

The Chargers signed LS Mike Windt on Wednesday.

The Bolts locked up three defenders with their first three picks in the NFL Draft: South Carolina linebacker Melvin Ingram, UConn defensive tackle Kendall Reyes and LSU safety Brandon Taylor. Ingram is considered to be among the top pass rushers available in the draft, and that was a huge need for the Chargers. Reyes will provide some quality depth (and potentially) start along the D-line and Taylor should be a future starter who adds depth to the backfield while working on special teams.

Chargers DL Antonio Garay registered his second sack of the season in Week 9 against the Packers. He finished with six tackles -- three solo -- in the 45-38 win and was also credited with a quarterback hit.

Chargers DL Jacques Cesaire left Sunday's game versus the Bills in the second quarter with a leg injury. He had to be carted off the field. Cesaire failed to make a tackle before leaving.

Chargers DB Nick Polk (hand) and DE Damik Scafe (leg) were placed on IR on Saturday.

Chargers RB Ryan Mathews was listed among the inactives for Week 17 against the Raiders. He missed two sessions of practice leading up to Sunday due to a lingering calf injury. Mike Tolbert got the start in his place.

San Diego promoted LB Darryl Gamble from its practice squad on Tuesday. The Chargers had been carrying a vacant spot on their roster the previous couple weeks.

Notable players cut by the Packers on Saturday include: WR Diondre Borel, S Anthony Bratton, NT Chris Donaldson, LB Ricky Elmore, CB Josh Gordy, WR Tori Gurley, QB Graham Harrell, FB Jon Hoese, LB Cardia Jackson, DE Eli Joseph, LB Elijah Joseph, S Anthony Levine, RB Dimitri Nance, CB Brandian Ross, NT Jay Ross, RB Brandon Saine, WR Kerry Taylor, S/CB Brandon Underwood and WR Chastin West.

Notable cuts by the Chargers on Saturday include: LB Kevin Bentley, DB Quinton Teal, LB Bront Bird, DE Mike Blanc, RB Curtis Brinkley, CB Ramon Broadway, DE Charlie Bryant, TE Charles Davis, DE Carl Ihenacho, DE Ogemdi Nwagbuo, RB Isaac Odim, RB Dean Rogers, CB Traye Simmons, FB Frank Summers, TE Brad Taylor, QB Scott Tolzien and LB Kion Wilson.

The Chargers announced on Wednesday that they have signed RB Shawnbrey McNeal to a two-year contract. Financial figures from the deal were not released. McNeal was on the Chargers roster and then on the Falcons practice squad in 2010.

The Chargers used a seventh-round pick in the NFL draft to take running back Edwin Baker, who left Michigan State after his junior season. Baker ran for 665 yards and five touchdowns last season, sharing carries with Le'Veon Bell. The 5-foot-9, 210-pound Baker had 1,201 yards rushing and 13 TDs as a sophomore, earning All-Big Ten honors.

WR Gary Banks, who was waived on Monday by the Chargers, has been placed on the team's practice squad. WR Kole Heckendorf was released from the practice quad to make room for Banks.

Chargers WR Vincent Brown had the best performance of his career when he faced the Raiders earlier in the year and will be looking for similar success in Week 17. He caught five passes for 97 yards and a touchdown against the division foe in Week 10. Oakland ranks 25th in the league in pass defense, giving up over 247 yards per game, and has allowed an average of 24.5 Fantasy points to opposing wideouts.

CB Quentin Jammer told a San Diego radio station some off-the-field issues clouded his play this season. Jammer seemed to get beat more regularly, especially late in the year. Jammer, who'll be in his 11th season next year, said according to The Sports Xchange that he'll use his subpar play as motivation to return better in 2012.

The Chargers and free agent tight end Dante Rosario agreed to a one-year contract Monday. The 6-foot-4, 250-pound Rosario played four seasons for the Panthers after being picked in the fifth round by Carolina in 2007. He played for Denver last season.

The Chargers have agreed to a one-year contract with free-agent wide receiver and kick returner Roscoe Parrish. Parrish, who joined the Chargers on Tuesday, spent his first seven seasons with the Bills, averaging 12 yards on 135 returns, with three touchdowns. Parrish's average since 2005 ranks second in the NFL behind Chicago's Devin Hester (12.9). Parrish had 134 catches for 1,502 yards and seven touchdowns in his Bills career.