SAN DIEGO (AP) — The San Diego Chargers are going through their first full-squad practice of training camp without four star players.
Running back Ryan Mathews, the heir apparent to LaDainian Tomlinson, hasn’t signed a contract yet. He missed three practices earlier this week for rookies and selected veterans.
Also missing are outside linebacker Shawne Merriman, left tackle Marcus McNeill and Pro Bowl wide receiver Vincent Jackson. They are unhappy about their status as restricted free agents.
Merriman likely will report long before McNeill and Jackson, who appear to be prepared to sit out training camp and the season’s first 10 games. They’ll likely report for the final six games in order to accrue another season toward unrestricted free agency.
