National Football League

Chargers release WR Buster Davis as camp opens

Published Jul. 29, 2011 3:34 a.m. ET

foxsports

San Diego Chargers got their training camp underway Thursday without the team's first-round draft pick in 2007, wide receiver Buster Davis, who was released.

''Obviously we both moved on,'' Chargers coach Norv Turner said.

Davis, drafted 30th, had 20 catches as a rookie but, hindered by injuries, appeared in only five games from 2008-2009. He had 21 catches through seven games last season, then suffered his second season-ending injury in three years.

''He did have a tough time staying on the field,'' Turner said.

Chargers fullback Jacob Hester talked with Davis two weeks ago and said he expects him to sign with another team.

''He was upbeat, feeling good, running good, wants to play,'' Hester said.

The Chargers also released linebacker Brandon Lang, cornerback Donald Strickland, linebacker Jyles Tucker and tight end Kris Wilson, and sent linebacker Antwan Applewhite into free agency by withdrawing a qualifying offer.

Inadvertently calling to mind a first-round pick that the Chargers came to regret - Ryan Leaf, taken second overall in 1998 - quarterback Scott Tolzien wore Leaf's No. 16 on Thursday.

Tolzien said he's worn the number since he was a boy, including for Wisconsin.

''I'm going to stick with it,'' Tolzien said, then joked that he won't let a curse spook him.

The Chargers will bring in a veteran quarterback during training camp, and free agent Billy Volek, the longtime backup to Philip Rivers, is among those on their radar.

Turner praised Tolzien, one of 19 undrafted free agents signed by the Chargers on Tuesday, after he completed several passes in the afternoon session.

''He's very accurate,'' Turner said. ''He's very smart. I'm excited that we had an opportunity to sign him as a free agent, and he had a good day today.''

Outside linebacker Larry English, the team's first-round pick in 2009 who is coming back from foot surgery, worked on a side field while the team practiced.

The Chargers were still working to sign first-round draft pick Corey Liuget on Thursday. Liuget was at Chargers Park, which may signal a deal is close.

Inside linebacker Jonas Mouton, a second-round pick this year, took part in the morning walkthrough but sat out several drills in the afternoon.

''I think it's just (him) getting comfortable,'' Turner said.