The Chargers gave up a lot to take Jacob Hester in the third round of last April's draft, but the team considers him worth it. Hester impressed scouts and coaches with his versatility, as he can do anything asked of him: catch, run, block. Hester fits very well into Norv Turner's offense, which requires a pass-catching H-back, and Hester figures to be that guy. Hester also has the size to pound the middle and wear defenses down.
Marcus Thomas
The fifth-round pick out of UTEP proved himself an effective runner, as well as receiver. Like Hester, Thomas has the size the Chargers want at 6'2", 215lbs. The Chargers hope Thomas has as much success as the last fifth-round back they picked, one Michael Turner.
The Winner: All of Them
The Chargers figure to use a running-back-by-committee approach to their backup situation. Sproles and Hester will both play special teams and can be used effectively on offense in certain situations. Meanwhile, Thomas shows similarities to Michael Turner (besides the initials) and figures to have a part in the offense as well.
3. Who replaces Stephen Cooper?
The Situation
Starting MLB Stephen Cooper is out with a four-game suspension for testing positive for a recently banned stimulant. His absence leaves one of the opening spots open for the first month of the season.
Why It Matters
The linebackers are the strength of the Chargers' defense, and Cooper's production (he led the team with 179 tackles last year) will be hard to replace. The 3-4 defense goes as far as their front seven goes, and without Cooper, the entire defense could suffer. They need to find an adequate replacement in time for the start of the season.
The Candidates
Derek Smith
Smith, one of the Chargers' two free-agent signings has the veteran experience the Chargers need to fill Cooper's role. He also has experience in the 3-4, as he started for the 49ers the past year.
Anthony Waters
The Chargers' 2006 third-round draft pick has first-round talent, but he missed all of last year with an injury he suffered in college. Waters was recently put onto the Chargers' PUP list because of recent surgery on his knee. While Waters has the talent to start, him missing time because of the surgery hurts his chances to start on opening day.
The Winner: Derek Smith
With his starting experience and veteran leadership Smith is the safe choice and the most likely to win the job.
4. Is Jeromey Clary the answer at RT?
The Situation
Former starter Shane Olivea was let go in the offseason and signed with the Giants. Unproven Jeromey Clary will take his place on one of the most talented offensive lines in football.
Why It Matters
Everyone knows the game is won in the trenches, and the elite teams usually have the best lines in the game. If Clary is unable to do the job the Chargers expect him to do, the whole offense, and the team's Super Bowl hopes, may suffer because of it.
What To Expect
After several disappointing performances, Olivea was replaced by Clary, who started all three playoff games. He performed well in all three contests and has thus proven to be capable of starting. Don't expect him to miss a beat. He should continue where he left off.
5. The Injuries
The Situation
Philip Rivers, Antonio Gates, LaDainian Tomlinson, Nick Hardwick, Jamal Williams, and Nate Kaeding all are coming off injuries, and everyone, except Kaeding, required surgery. All six of theses players are starters and play at a Pro-Bowl-caliber level.
Why It Matters
If any of these players are slowed by injury, the team will take a huge step back. Everyone except Rivers is considered as a top-three performer at their respective position, while Rivers is at least top 10 and the vocal leader of the team.
What To Expect
Tomlinson, Rivers, and Kaeding are all reportedly back to a 100 percent and are better than ever. Jamal Williams is easing his way back into practice, as he only participates in certain drills, and he conditions when he sits out of one. He expects to be back to 100 percent by the season opener.
Gates and Hardwick are where the most concern lies. Gates is reportedly making a faster recovery than expected and could be ready for the start of the season. Hardwick is healing at the rate expected of him and could also be available for the opener, although it is unlikely.
The more likely situation is that he could miss up to the first month of the season, possibly returning in the sixth week. Jeremy Newberry was brought in to fill in for Hardwick if he is unable to go.
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