National Football League

Chargers open camp without rookie RB Mathews

Published Jul. 26, 2010 4:15 p.m. ET

foxsports

The San Diego Chargers have opened training camp without first-round pick Ryan Mathews.

Mathews, the heir apparent to LaDainian Tomlinson, is San Diego's only draft pick who hasn't signed a contract. He was taken with the 12th pick overall out of Fresno State.

Rookies and selected veterans will practice through Thursday when the rest of the veterans are due to report. The first full-squad practice will be Friday.

Pro Bowl wide receiver Vincent Jackson and left tackle Marcus McNeill are expected to miss training camp and possibly the first 10 games of the season. They're both unhappy they haven't been signed to long-term deals.

It's also uncertain when outside linebacker Shawne Merriman will report.