Location: San Diego, CA | Stadium: Qualcomm Stadium (70,000) | Owner: Alex Spanos | President/CEO: Dean A. Spanos | GM: A.J. Smith Coach: Norv Turner | League Championships: 1
Rivers says he's been "conservative aggressive" with his rehab and probably will wear a brace the whole season. Keep an eye on what happens with Rivers this offseason, but this is a great sign that he feels good. If he's able to return in time for training camp, that would increase his Fantasy value, especially with a talented supporting cast in LaDainian Tomlinson, Antonio Gates and Chris Chambers. But Rivers will need time to get back to 100 percent, so go into the season with him as a No. 2 Fantasy QB in all leagues. (Updated 05/05/2008)
Once he's off the suspended list, Cooper will be worth using as a low-end No. 2/top-end No. 3 Fantasy LB since he gets a lot of tackles, but not much else. (Updated 04/16/2008)
Parker has minimal Fantasy value at this time after sitting out the entire season. Don't plan on drafting him heading into 2008, but he might be a free agent to add at some point if he comes back to form. (Updated 02/15/2008)
It's not a good sign that Gates still is bothered with his toe injury, especially since it could linger into the start of the season. He should still be viewed as a No. 1 tight end in all Fantasy leagues, but he might slip from his top perch. Still plan on drafting Gates somewhere around Round 4 or 5, but he might let you down this season if the toe is still a problem. Also keep in mind QB Philip Rivers is coming off knee surgery, which could limit his and Gates' effectiveness. (Updated 05/05/2008)
Kaeding was hurt helping to make the tackle on the opening kickoff of San Diego's home win over the Denver Broncos on Dec. 24. The team described it as a bruise. While saying the injury could be similiar to the broken fibula sustained by fullback Lorenzo Neal two weeks earlier, the Chargers never used the word "fracture" in describing Kaeding's injury. Kaeding continued to kick field goals and PATs, but the Chargers signed kickoff specialist Dave Rayner two days before the regular-season finale at Oakland. He should be OK for the start of 2008 training camp. (Updated 01/28/2008)
Earlier this offseason, Tomlinson said his rehab was going well and that he expects to take reps during the preseason, something that he hasn't done in the past. Obviously, if he appears to be healthy, Fantasy owners should view him as the best Fantasy RB available. He is well worth the top overall selection in 2008 drafts. (Updated 05/05/2008)
