--C Nick Hardwick doesn't sound very optimistic about being ready for the season-opener after undergoing foot surgery in March. He's set for another procedure in mid-June for an injury suffered midway through last season. "We'll see," Hardwick said. "You can't speed it up and we'll have to see if it takes more time. But obviously, I'm going to push it."

--Fifth-round pick RB Marcus Thomas of Texas-El Paso didn't go unnoticed by coach Norv Turner during minicamp. "He's one of those guys, when the pads go on everybody is going to say, 'Wow, look at this guy,'" Turner said. "He's a physical guy and has a good body lean. He's a 215-pound runner and he's been a productive runner, and I expect him to be the same."

--CB Paul Oliver, a second-year pro, is getting some reps at safety.

--OLT L.J. Shelton was excused from the minicamp for a personal matter.

--DL coach Wayne Nunnely was getting around minicamp in a golf cart after having both knees replaced.

--FB Andrew Pinnock still isn't recovered enough from his offseason knee injury to participate in practice. He hopes to be ready for training camp.

--Pro Bowl DT Jamal Williams watched the minicamp workouts after having both knees cleaned out this offseason. He's a go for training camp.

--Special teams star Kassim Osgood, who has squawked about not getting more looks in the offense as a wide receiver, attended minicamp.

QUOTE TO NOTE
"With my blazing speed, it's not going to hinder me too much." -- Slow-footed Chargers QB Philip Rivers, on wearing a brace this season on his surgically repaired right knee.

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