For two years, Parker was the Chargers' biggest outside threat. But he injured his toe before last season and was plopped on IR and missed the season.

Since Parker has last played the team traded for Chris Chambers and drafted Craig Davis in the first round. Along with the development of Vincent Jackson, Parker became expendable.

PLAYER NOTES

-- DT Jamal Williams, entering his 11th season, will be used with caution this camp. He is coming off two knee surgeries and the team needs him starting in September, not now.

-- QB Philip Rivers said at times he forgets which knee -- his left -- was the one rebuilt over the offseason. But he admits as camp wears on he is going to have to stay on top of it, as his legs get tired.

-- WR Kassim Osgood squawked about wanting to be traded unless he became a bigger part of the passing game. But Osgood, a two-time Pro Bowl special-teamer selection, remains in San Diego well down the depth chart.

-- What a difference a year makes for Darren Sproles. This time last year many thought the shifty running back and returning wouldn't make the team. Now he is bringing back kicks and part of various offensive packages -- especially on third down -- and giving LaDainian Tomlinson an occasional breather.

-- QB Charlie Whitehurst, the team's No. 3 quarterback, remains a favorite of the coaching staff and front office despite Billy Volek, Rivers' backup, being signed to a three-year deal in the offseason.

BATTLE OF THE WEEK: Antoine Cason vs. Paul Oliver for the nickel back role on passing downs. Cason has hit the ground running in his quest to snag a significant spot in passing situations. Oliver is in his second year and could put up a fight - the brass secretly hopes Cason is the guy. Oliver is also getting some work at free safety.

OTHER BATTLE FRONTS: Darren Sproles vs. Jacob Hester vs. Marcus Thomas for the No. 2 running back role. We know this -- LaDainian Tomlinson isn't competing against anyone. But behind him is quite a tussle as these three try to replace one guy -- Michael Turner, who left as a free agent for Atlanta. There's a chance Sproles and Hester will share this job, depending to some degree on the down and the distance. Thomas has to prove he's a viable candidate. So far, Sproles and Hester are in the lead.

Jeromey Clary vs. L.J. Shelton for right tackle. Clary started the second half last year when Shane Olivea's game dropped off. And by most accounts, Clary held his ground. But the team signed the veteran Shelton just in case, and has positioned him at right tackle to see if he can beat out Clary, or at the very least, push him to greater heights. Shelton started 16 games last year in Miami.

ROOKIE REPORT: CB Antoine Cason is making up for any lost time by practicing well. ... RB/FB Jacob Hester has been impressive, but the team is really curious to see him now that practices will start including pads. ... RB Marcus Thomas is probably not ready to back up LaDainian Tomlinson, but that could eventually be his role. ... CB DeJuan Tribble is basically playing to get on film for other teams. ... T Corey Clark's best bet is to land on the practice squad.

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) could be back for exhibition season.

-- LB Anthony Waters is out 2-3 weeks after undergoing knee surgery.

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