SAN DIEGO -- His repetitions are limited, and he's being monitored closely. But rookie inside linebacker Anthony Waters fully understands the Chargers' rationale of making him more of a spectator in June than an active participant.

The third-round draft pick tore the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee last September and isn't fully recovered. The last thing the Chargers want is a setback during this weekend's voluntary minicamp.

"I'm about 95 percent right now," Waters said after Saturday's morning workout. "They wanted to hold me out a little bit to make sure everything is still going to be pretty good for training camp. I'm basically working out pretty hard each day and trying to stay on top of it."

Waters and the Chargers are aiming for a full recovery by the time training camp opens in late July. So being cautious makes more sense than risking a misstep or accidental re-injury.

That point was reinforced after Waters' knee became inflamed following a workout early last week.

"He came out Tuesday and had a hell of a day," coach Norv Turner said of Waters' performance in a voluntary workout. "He didn't do anything major to it. He's just sore and had a little setback.

"I would hope and expect for him to be full speed when we go to camp."

The 6-foot-3, 238-pound Waters shares the same vision.

The organization used a first-day pick on him despite the ACL injury he suffered in Clemson's opening game last season, and he's eager to prove it was a wise decision.

But he realizes that being patient is best for his physical condition. So Waters has focused on channeling his energy into learning the mental part of his defensive responsibilities while receiving limited repetitions in this weekend's minicamp.

"I just put trust in the coaches' hands and I know everything will be for the best," Waters said. "The NFL is a business and anything can happen, but I just trust the trainers and trust the coaches, and they've told me, 'Take it slow. We'd rather have you ready for training camp than for right now.' "

Ailing Williams sent home

Pro Bowl defensive tackle Jamal Williams arrived at camp Saturday battling headaches and a sinus infection. He was later sent home by team doctors and missed both practices.

"He had a real bad migraine headache," Turner said. "He was in the meetings and then went to lay on the training room table."

Williams' absence led to increased repetitions for second-year player Brandon McKinney and 2004 seventh-round pick Ryon Bingham.

"I think Brandon has done a great job in the offseason," Turner said. "Obviously, Bingham has played in there. Those guys are going to get a chance to play a lot in the preseason.

"Obviously, Jamal is a big part of what we do and a big part of why this defense plays so well and lets those outside guys do what they do."

Chandler learning

Tight end Scott Chandler, a fourth-round draft pick from Iowa, realizes he has two excellent players to learn from in Pro Bowl tight end Antonio Gates and ace blocker Brandon Manumaleuna.

"Having Gates out there is always a learning experience for me because I can watch him run routes in the passing game," Chandler said. "I always have Brandon in the blocking game that I can watch. They are two good examples every time they're on the field, so that's like a film session in and of itself."

Chandler also is happy that he already has signed a contract with the team. The four-year pact is worth more than $2.06 million.

"It's good to get it out of the way now because it's one less thing to worry about," Chandler said.

Et cetera

WR Eric Parker (toe) and DE Jacques Cesaire (knee tenderness) were dealing with minor injuries on Saturday. … Rookie free-agent WR Chad Schroeder (Texas A&M) recently left the team, and Turner said Schroeder apparently plans to pursue a coaching career. … The Chargers wrap up minicamp today with one final workout, which is again closed to the public.

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