CHARGERS: Newberry signs as insurance at center

By MIKE SULLIVAN - Staff Writer | Monday, June 2, 2008 9:19 PM PDT ∞

SAN DIEGO ---- The Chargers signed former Pro Bowl center Jeremy Newberry as a free agent Monday afternoon, securing an experienced insurance policy at the position in the wake of Nick Hardwick's expected absence.

Newberry, 32, has played 10 NFL seasons and was Oakland's starting center last season. He spent the previous nine seasons with San Francisco and was named to the Pro Bowl following the 2001 and 2002 seasons.

The 6-foot-5, 315-pound Newberry will compete with Cory Withrow for the opening-game starting role. Hardwick will likely miss the entire first month of the season and perhaps longer because of offseason foot surgery.

"We just think he's a good player," general manager A.J. Smith said of Newberry. "Not only a center ---- that will be his No. 1 position ---- but he also can fill in at guard and tackle. You're talking about a 10-year vet who is tough, physical and extremely competitive."

Newberry, a second-round pick in 1998, was a top-notch lineman for the 49ers from 1999-2003 before missing all but one game of the 2004 season with knee and back injuries.

He again suffered a knee injury in 2005 and missed the entire 2006 campaign before signing with the Raiders prior to last season. Newberry became a free agent after the 2007 season and was not tendered a contract by the Raiders.

Newberry will participate in the team's voluntary offseason coaching session on Tuesday.

Rivers update

Just four-plus months removed from major right knee surgery, quarterback Philip Rivers received an extensive on-field workload during Monday's voluntary offseason coaching session at Chargers Park.

Rivers took a regular dose of snaps in 11-on-11 drills against the starting defense for the first time this offseason. His previous stint in 11-on-11 drills consisted of just 10 snaps on May 22.

"I took every rep today as if I'd never been hurt," Rivers said. "That's pretty encouraging for where we're headed with two months to go until the first preseason game. Today was the first day that I did more of the team situation stuff. It always feels good to get in there and actually play again."

In other medical updates, coach Norv Turner said wide receiver Eric Parker (toe) is running better and could soon participate in the coaching sessions that conclude June 18. Also, tight end Antonio Gates (toe) hasn't yet begun running, but Turner said Gates is "making good progress."

Contact staff writer Mike Sullivan at (760) 739-6645 or msullivan@nctimes.com.