--QB Philip Rivers, and the coaches, seem to think he has more arm strength this camp.

--ILB Stephen Cooper is getting most of the first-team snaps, although he will miss the first four games. As the team gets closer to the season opener and game-planning specifically for the Panthers, Derek Smith will see more action.

--K Nate Kaeding was on his game when the Chargers practiced at Qualcomm Stadium on Saturday. He converted all six of his field-goal attempts, including a long of 55 yards.

--WR Vincent Jackson looks like he is building on last year's fast finish, catching nearly every ball thrown his way.

BATTLE OF THE WEEK: Cory Withrow vs. Jeremy Newberry for the expected starting C job -- Starter Nick Hardwick remains out after offseason foot surgery and could miss the season's first month. The team is looking at Withrow and Newberry to carry the load the first month. Withrow took over for Hardwick for four games last year, and was OK. Newberry was brought in as a free agent and seems to have the upper hand in this competition. Unless Newberry falters, he should win the job.

OTHER BATTLE FRONTS: Darren Sproles vs. Antonio Cromartie vs. Mark Jones as the PR -- Sproles is holding off Cromartie and Jones in his bid to keep his return job. Cromartie would probably be looked at more intently, but the team is hesitant to overwork their Pro Bowl cornerback. Jones is decent, but seems to be more of a fallback plan for the Chargers. ... Malcom Floyd vs. Craig Davis for No. 3 WR spot -- Floyd's time with the Chargers has reached a critical point, where he needs to stay healthy and productive. The Chargers are hoping Davis, a first-round pick last year, can show more consistency. To date Floyd has the edge, but he had to miss time late last week with a minor leg injury. It's imperative Floyd prove that he can stay on the field.

PLAYER OF THE WEEK: RB Darren Sproles -- After being on the roster bubble last camp, the slightly built Sproles continues to impress with the quickness that he is hitting the hole, then shifting into another gear in space. His best play of the week was in Saturday's practice at Qualcomm Stadium when the 5-foot-6 Sproles raced some 90 yards on a punt return for a touchdown. "Darren proved to me in the last seven or eight games (last season) that he can be a guy that can have an impact on the game and can have an impact on every game," Turner said. "That's our job as coaches to do that. You give him the opportunity and it's not going to happen every week but he certainly is a guy that can change games."

INJURY REPORT:

--TE Antonio Gates (toe) is running with the trainer in drills, but still appears to be weeks away from practicing.

--C Nick Hardwick (foot) could miss the season's first month.

--RB Andrew Pinnock (knee) has yet to practice and it's a mystery when he might play in an exhibition game.

--LB Anthony Waters (knee) might be back as soon as Monday.

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