CHARGERS UPDATE : NOTEBOOK / T.J. SIMERS : Team Braces to Start Gagliano If Ankle Keeps Friesz Sidelined
SAN DIEGO — Chargers quarterback John Friesz practiced Friday with the aid of an ankle brace, but his availability for Sunday’s game with the Raiders remains “50-50.â€
Bob Gagliano has taken the bulk of work in practice this week and will start in place of Friesz if necessary. Friesz sprained his ankle in last week’s 24-3 defeat to the Jets.
“I agree it’s 50-50,†Friesz said. “What it comes down to is not the pain. I need to wear the brace for the stability and the question is whether or not I can still be accurate and be a positive force for the team. Accuracy is the big question for me.â€
Coach Dan Henning suggested it might be better to start Gagliano, so as to get him into the flow of the game rather than have to step off the bench to relieve Friesz.
He said for that reason he will probably start Darren Carrington at safety in place of Stanley Richard, although Richard has recovered from a pinched nerve in his neck.
“It’s probably 80-20 that Carrington will play for Richard and 50-50 with Gagliano,†Henning said. “If Friesz is ready to go, I would be hard-pressed not to play him.
“But he was sore today after taking a few snaps (Thursday) and he took more (Friday) and we’ll see how he is. The brace is going to be tough on his movement. The trainer wants him to wear the brace, but they’re debating whether they’ll just wrap it tight or wear the brace.â€
Cornerback Gill Byrd remains doubtful for the game and will be replaced by Cedric Mack. Safety Anthony Shelton is expected to be placed on injured reserve today.
One of the fans in attendance at the Charger Backers luncheon Friday asked Henning about published comments attributed to Steve Ortmayer, the Chargers’ former director of football operations, who now works as special teams coach for the Raiders.
“I read where he said the Raiders didn’t show up six weeks ago in the Coliseum (in losing to the Chargers 21-13),†Henning said. “Shame on them. You’re supposed to show up every week.â€
Reports from Los Angeles indicate the Raiders will be here for Sunday night’s game.
The Chargers are urging fans to car pool to Sunday’s sold-out game with the Raiders and to arrive early to avoid being stopped from making it into the parking lot.
The club said the lot may be filled and closed as early as 4 p.m. for the 5 p.m. game. Upon the closure, fans will be directed to an overflow lot--Surface Lot F at the southeast corner of the intersection of Interstate 8 and College Avenue--at San Diego State.
The San Diego Transit Chargers Express will also take fans to the stadium from the following pickup locations: 10th and C Street and operates up 5th and 6th avenues; El Cajon Transit Center; Grossmont Trolley Station; H Street Trolley Station; Kearny Mesa Traffic Court; LaJolla Village Square Shopping Center; Market Place at the Grove.
For more information on bus service, call the Regional Transit Information Center at 233-3004.
