National Football League

Stars missing, but Turner's happy with minicamp

Published May. 29, 2010 2:23 a.m. ET

share

facebookxredditlink

foxsports

The San Diego Chargers completed their three-day minicamp with a thumbs-up from coach Norv Turner.

``We got a lot accomplished,'' Turner said Friday.

While Turner was upbeat, it was apparent the Chargers were minus some key players as they worked to bounce back from their embarrassing playoff loss to the New York Jets.

Linebacker Shawne Merriman, left tackle Marcus McNeill and wide receivers Vincent Jackson and Malcom Floyd boycotted the sessions, upset over being tendered one-year contracts as restricted free agents.

While it might be a big deal to some, quarterback Philip Rivers wasn't overly concerned.

``I don't like to minimize the significance of practice,'' Rivers said, ``but it is May.''

With the veterans absent, many eyes were trained on running back Ryan Mathews. The former Fresno State star was the Chargers' top draft pick and is option No. 1 in replacing LaDainian Tomlinson. Tomlinson was released in the offseason and landed with the Jets.

Mathews wasn't able to attend last week's offseason training sessions.

``Every day I think they pick things up faster,'' Turner said of the rookies. ``If you're Ryan Mathews and playing running back and you got (Darren) Sproles there, Jacob (Hester) there and (Mike) Tolbert there, those are guys that really understand what we are doing. So they help speed the process. Ryan is a real sharp guy and I'm really pleased in what he got done this week.'

``One thing that is exciting is when he knows what to do and gets that ball in his hands. He is an exciting runner.''

Tight end Antonio Gates was restricted to watching practice after being diagnosed with plantar fasciitis. Gates said he will rest his right foot two to three weeks before he resumes running.

``You see guys out here working hard and you want to be a part of it,'' said Gates, whose past injuries were to his left foot. ``But you got to take care of issues off the field; take care of my foot and make sure I stay healthy. Because ultimately September is when it really starts and I'm looking forward to that.''

share

Get more from National Football League Follow your favorites to get information about games, news and more

in this topic

National Football League