--The Chargers' training camp is right around the corner and coach Norv Turner feels the team is right on schedule.

Before leaving to take some time off before the season gets underway, Turner, set to start his second year with the team after replacing Marty Schottenheimer and taking the team to only its fourth AFC Championship Game in franchise history, said the team met offseason expectations.

The team fell short in that contest against the New England Patriots, but it's no stretch to say it anticipates being in a similar situation come January.

The Chargers are confident they can compete with the elite teams in the AFC and hitting training camp in stride will help them reach that goal of their second Super Bowl appearance.

"The biggest thing for me is the young guys be prepared to compete when we go to training camp," Turner said. "The next thing for us is to get them healthy and we are on schedule to get healthy."

Among the walking wounded who remain the biggest concerns are tight end Antonio Gates (toe), center Nick Hardwick (toe). Both underwent offseason surgeries; Gates is farther along than Hardwick in his rehabilitation.

Quarterback Philip Rivers had his knee rebuilt but took part in virtually all of the offseason workouts. Running back LaDainian Tomlinson, who sprained his knee in that loss to New England was able to avoid surgery and the injury healed with offseason rest.

Turner said two players he expects to see continue to improve -- based on the offseason work -- are linebackers Jyles Tucker and Anthony Water

"I think they have had a great opportunity to get better during the offseason," Turner said.

Waters is especially worth watching as his rookie year never got untracked last year as he was still coming back from a serious knee injury and was inactive for all 16 games.

"He's healthy and I'm not sure he was ever 100 percent last year," Turner said of the third-round pick from Clemson.

Turner went on to say he is pleased in the manner rookie cornerback Antoine Cason has picked up the nickel role, covering receivers in the slot.

He also had praise for rookie Jacob Hester, who has seen snaps at fullback and tailback.

"Jacob has moved around all over; he is a versatile player," Turner said. "I believe he is going to be a real good player and a good blocker when we get the pads on."

That time is near with rookies such as Hester reporting to Chargers Park on July 20.

CAMP CALENDAR
Rookies and selected veterans report July 20. The full squad reports July 24 with a full-squad workout the next day. The Chargers hold a night practice on Aug. 6 and break camp on Aug. 23.

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