CHARGERS NOTES: L.T. showing quickness ---- after practice

By JAY PARIS - Staff Writer | Friday, September 19, 2008 6:57 PM PDT ∞

LaDainian Tomlinson missed practice again on Thursday due to a toe injury. (Chris Park/Associated Press)

SAN DIEGO ---- LaDainian Tomlinson was moving well, as if looking for the edge.

He had a quick step, as if bursting through a hole. He had that explosiveness that has made him among the best running backs ever.

But all this came after practice, when he was joking with Antonio Gates.

The Chargers continued preparing for Monday's date with the New York Jets on Thursday minus Tomlinson.

He was sequestered in the trainer's room during the workout, getting treatment on the most watched big right toe in San Diego.

"It's getting better, that's all I can say,'' Tomlinson said of the toe, which he hurt in the season-opening defeat to Carolina.

The extra day this week aids Tomlinson's quest to get right. While it's doubtful he'll be 100 percent, there's little doubt he'll play Monday under the Qualcomm Stadium lights.

The Chargers' training staff is doing its part, supplying the electronic stimulation, ice and every trick in its book.

"A little bit of everything,'' Tomlinson said. "Pretty much throwing the whole kitchen sink at it.''

Tomlinson is encouraged that the swelling has dissipated.

"It's going down now; there was a little bit after Denver, but it is going down now,'' Tomlinson said.

Coach Norv Turner was making no guarantees when Tomlinson would return to practice. But he was certain the calendar is working in his All-Pro running back's favor.

"If he could run, L.T. would be out here running,'' Turner said. "Obviously, this is like a Wednesday of a normal game week, so we'll see where he is (the next two days)."

Happy returns

Wide receiver Craig Davis has found a way on to the field by fielding punts.

Davis, the team's top draft pick last year, said he'll again return punts as the Chargers attempt to lessen Darren Sproles' special teams workload.

"I look at it as an opportunity to give the offense good field position and giving Darren a break," Davis said. "But I'm not going in there to just be mediocre, I'm trying to take it to the house every time I touch it."

Since taking up residence with the Chargers, Davis has been a disappointment. He caught but 20 passes last year for 188 yards and one touchdown.

Two weeks ago, Davis didn't even suit up, being passed over in favor of Malcom Floyd.

But with more being put on Sproles' plate, Davis ---- who returned a punt for a touchdown his senior year at LSU ---- is getting a shot as a punt returner. He had two chances in Denver, collecting 15 yards.

"It's real difficult because you are looking up and you can't see the people coming at you,'' he said. "But I'm getting more comfortable.''

Et cetera

LT Marcus McNeill (neck) continues to work and could be active for his first game this season on Monday. "We'll see how he is tomorrow and how he progresses throughout the week,'' coach Norv Turner said. ... C Nick Hardwick (foot) and DT Jamal Williams (knees) were limited in their participation. ... ILB Tim Dobbins will see increased playing time for Matt Wilhelm, defensive coordinator Ted Cottrell said. Wilhelm, though, will continue as the starter.