-- Quarterback Philip Rivers said he knows what to expect -- and how difficult it is -- to advance in the playoffs after last season's run. But, that exposure to being deep in the playoffs can pay off. "I think the expectations are more of a reality now, more of what's really expected," Rivers said. "We have an understanding of what it really takes. We didn't know what it was like to play in an AFC Championship Game. We didn't know what it was like to go on the road and knock off the defending champs. But now we know. So when all these things come arising again -- which we hope we get the opportunity again -- then we've actually been through it."

-- The Chargers placed four players on the Physically Unable to Perform list: tight end Antonio Gates (toe) and center Nick Hardwick (foot) are recovering from offseason surgeries. Fullback Andrew Pinnock and inside linebacker Anthony Waters, are also on it, rebounding from knee surgeries.

"Obviously, it gives them a chance to get healthy," Chargers coach Norv Turner said. "It's really not a major deal. When they're ready to go, we'll take them off it and they'll start practicing."

Hardwick is the likeliest player to still be on the PUP list when the season begins. He said his foot is progressing well, but he has lost strength in his leg.

"I can't give any predictions as to when I'll be ready to actually play football," Hardwick said. "I'm pushing hard and going as I can tolerate it."

Gates said he expects to pass a physical by Aug. 30, which is required to leave the PUP list.

-- Cornerback Antoine Cason, the team's top pick who missed three rookie practices before signing his contract, got the usual ribbing when he got to camp." All the guys in there were giving me a hard time about it," Cason said. "Quentin Jammer gave me the hardest time. But it's all fun. That's just part of it." Cason will soon learn the Chargers tradition of the top pick picking up a dinner and drinks tab for all the veterans near the end of camp.

-- It doesn't show up on the team's injury report, but team president Dean Spanos had his left arm in a sling Friday after recently undergoing minor wrist surgery.

--Rookie running back Marcus Thomas is a fifth-round pick and lands on a team which has LaDainian Tomlinson. Tough luck? Maybe, but Norv Turner said keep an eye on someone trying to replace Michael Turner.

"If you put him down as a guy to watch, that would be good," he said. "He's got some real good running skills."

QUOTE TO NOTE: "You learn that we've got to finish it. You get that far, you've got to finish. It don't mean a can of beans if you don't finish it." - Left guard Kris Dielman on the bitter taste left after the Chargers fell in last season's AFC Championship Game to the Patriots.

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