by Sports Xchange

The team is in much better shape -- medically -- than it was last offseason. Many key players who had their fingers crossed they would be ready for the 2008 season opener were out running for this offsesason's work.

In particular, quarterback Philip Rivers wasn't worried about his mended knee.

Center Nick Hardwick wasn't rubbing a sore foot.

Tight end Antonio Gates wasn't moving gingerly on a tender toe.

That gives the Chargers -- as well a roster stocked with talent -- optimism to win its first NFL title.

OFFSEASON STANDOUT: Running back LaDainian Tomlinson would seem like an odd selection here.

But now 30 years old and coming off his second consecutive season which ended with an injury, many wondered if Tomlinson still had the get up and go.

Tomlinson, though, proved time and again in the practices that there are plenty of skills still at his beck and call.

Sure, there was little hitting -- and that's particular true for a franchise player like Tomlinson.

But it was also obvious that Tomlinson was running, cutting and faking out players with regularity. He has proved -- so far -- the serious groin injury which derailed him in last season's playoffs is a thing of the past.

LINEUP WATCH: The Chargers have to find a right guard and their choices seem to be between Kynan Forney and rookie Luis Vasquez.

Forney didn't play last year, although he was with the Chargers most of the season.

Vasquez, a third-round pick, has to prove he can make the transition from blocking in a pass-happy, spread offense at Texas Tech, to one which likes to employ a power-running game to complement its awesome passing attack.

Forney has the edge at the time. But if Vasquez can show the learning curve isn't steep, he could be a surprise starter here.

ROOKIE IMPRESSIONS: Larry English was the team's top pick and he hasn't done anything to show that the Chargers should regret this pick.

Not only could English contribute right away -- that's the word from coach Norv Turner -- but he supplies the Chargers with insurance.

The insurance comes in that if Shawne Merriman doesn't bounce back as expected from knee surgery, English will be at the ready.

And next year, if the Chargers let Merriman walk after his contract expires, English could offer a nice fallback position.

Two other youngsters worth watching -- in addition to Vasquez -- are defensive tackle Vaughn Martin and safety Rick Ellison.

Martin is a potential load in the middle, but he is relatively new to football and played college ball in Canada.

Ellison could push for significant playing time if he can stay healthy. The strong safety position is being looked at with a keen eye, and Ellison could take advantage of the opportunity for the team to upgrade at that spot.

INJURY WATCH: Wide receiver Buster Davis is looking to get back into the mix after missing most of last season with a groin injury. A first-round pick in 2007, Davis has to prove he can be a contributor in what could be a do-or-die season for him as far as the Chargers are concerned.

The key player returning to the fold, of course, is Shawne Merriman. While he hasn't be plopped into the practices just yet, all signs point to him being ready for training camp and then shooting for his fourth Pro Bowl season.

CONTRACT WATCH: The Chargers have a lot on the plate here, as the contracts of quarterback Philip Rivers and left tackle Marcus McNeill -- as well as Merriman -- expire at the end of the 2009 season. Rivers and McNeill aren't going anywhere and it's believed preliminary discussions have already taken place

Merriman? The team has been reluctant to engage in any talks yet -- they could use the franchise tag on him in 2010 or let him work if they are that impressed with rookie Larry English.