Before the announcement that inside linebacker Stephen Cooper would absorb a season-opening, four-game suspension for violating the league's drug policy, the Chargers signed the experienced Derek Smith.

To the Chargers' glee, there's been little decline when Smith trots in for Cooper on running downs, when the 12-year pro works occasionally with the first team.

"He's a stabilizing force and he is a savvy veteran," linebackers coach Ron Rivera said. "You don't see the fallout in terms of physical play.

"And this isn't a stop gap. This is a guy that could be a very productive player not just after four games, but the entire season."

Smith, who was let go by the 49ers, has been encouraged how the Chargers' coaching staff conducts training camp. Like most of their counterparts, the days of beating up players during the summer months has gone the way of $3 a gallon gas.

"It's a long season," said Smith, who has played in 168 games, starting all but four. "And if you go into training camp and you wear your body out, it's just a matter of time before you have injuries."

Instead, Smith consistently delivers pain to those with a football tucked under their arm.

In his first nine seasons, he had at least 100 tackles, with a high of 189 in 2003. The last two years, he's fell just short (93 and 98) with various ailments compromising his totals.

But Smith is healthy, and longs for something he never tasted in San Francisco or before that, Washington.

"Having a chance to win a championship is something that is very important to me," Smith said. "And I think this team wants a championship."

But every team -- especially this time of the year -- clings to the hope that this is the magic year. Smith, though, said the Chargers are bent on letting the preseason press clipping go to their noggins.

"I think this group of guys, and the coaching staff, don't create that environment," said Smith, who has played in five playoff games, but never the Super Bowl. "I would say you could get lured into that, but I think they have high expectations for themselves -- the coaches and players.

"You got to have those, but you still have to be able to be loose, go out and play football and not press. You can't be a robot.

"They do a good job of balancing that out."

It helps to have a seasoned pro like Smith -- especially during the first four games -- in the middle of the defense.

"He says he is re-energized and I'm glad to hear that," coach Norv Turner said. "He is moving fast and the guys are teasing him on how young he looks."

CAMP CALENDAR: The first night practice at Chargers Park is Wednesday. The team breaks training camp on Aug. 23.