Coaches will meet into the night. And while players' sole focus this week is on the Atlanta Falcons who are here Sunday, coaches will begin to prepare in earnest today for the Chargers' game Thursday against the Oakland Raiders .

"We're going to work ahead (this) afternoon and, where normally you'd be off (tonight)," coach Norv Turner said. "And then Saturday after the walk-through."

The truth is, some of the coaches, when they've finished for the day concentrating on Atlanta, probably have already broken down tape of the Oakland Raiders .

"It's not overlooking Atlanta," Turner said. "We've got a lot to get ready for, without a lot of time."

Next week, the Chargers will hold a light practice Monday afternoon. Tuesday will be a full practice, combining what they would normally install on Wednesday and Thursday. And Wednesday will be another light practice.

Turkey in Dallas?

The Chargers had meetings early and a practice that concluded at 1 p.m. yesterday.

Next year, they could well be playing a game while much of America feasts on turkey and trimmings.

The Chargers are one of just two AFC teams the Dallas Cowboys host next season. Since CBS has the Cowboys' game next Thanksgiving, that means either the Chargers or Oakland Raiders will be in Dallas for the holiday.

"It'd be fun," quarterback Philip Rivers said of what would be the Chargers' first game on Thanksgiving. "I love having Thanksgiving (at home). But when you think about all the tradition that comes with a Dallas Cowboys game, another game on national television, it'd be fun."

Nuts 'n' Bolts

* The Chargers were supposed to have had the second-easiest schedule in the NFL this season based on opponents' 2007 winning percentage (.422). It hasn't worked out that way. The Chargers (4-7) have played just two teams with losing records, and their opponents' winning percentage this season is .545, highest in the NFL.

* Add this statistic to the reasons the Chargers have not run the ball more this season. Just 40 percent of their offensive touches have come when they are leading, the fourth-lowest ratio in the league. Just 194 of their 484 touches have come with them ahead in a game.

* Defensive end Keith Grennan (leg) and fullback Mike Tolbert (shoulder) missed another day of practice, and it is highly doubtful either will be active Sunday against Atlanta.