National Football League

Cason has surgery on right index finger

Published Aug. 1, 2011 11:44 p.m. ET

foxsports

Chargers cornerback Antoine Cason had surgery on his fractured right index finger on Monday, leaving him in ''good position to be ready for the season,'' coach Norv Turner said.

Turner said it's not known yet whether Cason, who fractured the finger in defending a pass Sunday, will be available for the team's initial two preseason games.

''Cason will be fine,'' Turner said.

A first-round pick in 2008, Cason is coming off his first season as a full-time starter.

On Monday, rookies Marcus Gilchrist and Shareece Wright got some of Cason's snaps.

Turner praised Gilchrist, a second-round draft pick out of Clemson.

''I like everything that Gilchrist has done,'' he said.

''One thing that's jumped out - and I think it's a starting point for corners - is he's shown he's very physical. He's come up and filled the run. He's been very aggressive.''

Veteran Dante Hughes, who can start practicing on Thursday, will also get extra work.