Skip to main content

Chargers cancel final minicamp practice

  • Author:
  • Publish date:

SAN DIEGO (AP) The Chargers got a break Wednesday from coach Mike McCoy.

''They are done,'' McCoy said.

McCoy canceled the team's Thursday practice, the final session of their three-day minicamp.

''I think the players have done an outstanding job this offseason and worked extremely hard, did a great job and done everything we asked of them,'' McCoy said. ''This is a little bit of an appreciation for what they did. I think we are at a good point right now.''

But it was pointed out teams have a limited number of practice days under the collective bargaining agreement. The Chargers will lose one of those days, not reporting back to Chargers Park until July 23 to open training camp the following day.

McCoy, who directed the Chargers last season to the second round of the AFC playoffs second round, isn't concerned.

''No,'' he said. ''I thought about it and I think the way they practiced and worked from the very first day of the offseason program, and the last couple of days, I was happy where we are at right now.''

McCoy had quietly contemplated his surprise announcement leading up to Wednesday's practice.

''I didn't tell anybody,'' he said. ''There were two or three people here who knew what I was going to do, but the coaches had no idea and I made the decision about halfway through practice.''

That practice again was without tight end Antonio Gates as he was excused for a personal matter. Others not working were center Nick Hardwick, after he suffered a right foot injury in Tuesday's practice. Right guard Jeromey Clary was absent as he rebounds from hip surgery.

McCoy wouldn't confirm or deny that free-agent cornerback Brandon Flowers, a former Pro Bowl player with Kansas City, might visit with general manager Tom Telesco.

''Tom and I are always looking to improve the football team,'' McCoy said. ''But we're not going to comment on who's coming and who's going.''