Charger Notebook : Fouts Will Have His Back Examined as a Precaution
LA JOLLA — The Chargers say they aren’t concerned, but starting quarterback Dan Fouts recently strained his back and will see a doctor today in Los Angeles.
Fouts was unavailable for comment Sunday night, but Coach Al Saunders said: “As far as I understand it, it’s just a routine thing. And he is too important to us not to make sure he’s well and ready to go before he reports to camp.”
According to Saunders, Fouts aggravated his back working out on his own and underwent treatment last week with Charger trainer Mark Howard.
“I don’t think it’s a specific injury,” said Steve Ortmayer, the Charger director of football operations. I think that Dan has some miles on his body, and his back has been one of his concerns in this off-season.”
Saunders said he expects Fouts to report to training camp with the rest of the veterans Friday.
Ortmayer signed two draft picks Sunday: quarterback Mark Vlasic (No. 4) of Iowa and cornerback Nelson Jones (No. 5) of North Carolina State.
However, there was no progress with tight end Rod Bernstine (No. 1), defensive end Karl Wilson (No. 3) or safety Anthony Anderson (No. 10).
Center Joe Goebel, the No. 11 pick out of UCLA, told Saunders and Ortmayer that he was quitting football.
Goebels, reached at his home Sunday night, said he wanted to pursue a flying career instead of football. He said it was the biggest decision of his life, a decision that has been scary for him.
“Most of it stemmed from a desire to get into something I really wanted,” said Goebel, who says the Chargers treated him fairly. “I didn’t dread football, but . . . to me, playing offensive line was a job, a hard job. The pleasure you derive from playing offensive line is almost a sick one. I mean, it’s not like basketball, where you can derive enjoyment. In football, you’re in the trenches. It was just a conflict I had within myself.”
Goebel said he’d finish at UCLA in the fall, and then enroll in the military so he could learn to fly.
Charger Notes
Steve Ortmayer, the director of football operations, said the Chargers still are trying to sign another free agent tight end. With No. 1 pick Rod Bernstine holding out, there are only two tight ends in camp (Malcolm Moore and Kevin Ferguson). . . . Coach Al Saunders said linebacker Chip Banks, cornerback Danny Walters, nose tackle Terry Unrein and running backs Lionel James and Barry Redden--all veterans who have reported early to camp--will only practice once a day (instead of the regular two times) until the rest of the veterans report on Friday. Saunders said those players don’t need the constant repetition that the younger players need. . . . Injuries: Defensive end Thomas Hensley and cornerback John Hendy have sore knees. . . . There were two fights Sunday, one in the morning practice and one in the evening workout. The first one pitted guard/tackle Jeff Walker vs. Hensley and the second one featured linebacker Ty Allert and guard Broderick Thompson. Saunders told each man to cool it. “I don’t understand why guys fight in football uniforms,” Saunders said. “They (the uniforms) are there for protection. All you can do is hurt your hands.”
