CHARGERS NOTES: Dobbins, Burnett shine at new spots

[Red Zone]

SAN DIEGO ---- With linebacker Stephen Cooper missing Saturday's preseason opener with an ankle injury, it presented an opportunity ---- for two players.

Tim Dobbins slid into Cooper's strongside inside spot and performed well.

"It's great for Tim to play there,'' Turner said. "Obviously, he can play that position, which adds to the versatility.''

With Dobbins filling in, that allowed newcomer Kevin Burnett to show his game.

"It gave us a chance to play him 25 or so snaps at the weakside inside linebacker,'' Turner said. "Kevin was very good. He brings a speed and quickness to us that are different than what we had.''

Burnett was the lone key free agent signed by the Chargers last offseason, coming over from the Cowboys. While a special teams demon in Dallas, Burnett aims for a more prominent role.

"It was good to go out there and actually make plays,'' said Burnett, who had a team-high six tackles. "I'm not looking to be a package player at all; definitely looking to be an every-down guy.

"Anybody who plays this game and is looking to be a special teams guy and a No. 2 for their whole career, they are in the wrong game. And for me to sit here and tell you that is my expectation, I would by lying to you. I'm definitely looking to be a starter.''

Digging Davis

Among the Chargers' highlights was the play of wide receiver Buster Davis. The team's former first-round draft pick had four receptions for 64 yards and added 67 more in the return game on five efforts.

"I like what Buster does,'' Turner said. "He's got no limitations as a player, but we have to keep him on the field. He made it through, and it's a big step for him.''

Davis was limited last year with a groin injury, and many think it's a make-or-break year for him in San Diego.

"I hope for his sake and for ours he's going to grow out (of injuries) or be fortunate enough to get out of those situations,'' Turner said. "Buster is a good player and is going to be a very good player for us.''

Et cetera

Coach Norv Turner said he hopes rookie LB Larry English (hamstring) and rookie RG Louis Vasquez (foot) can return to practice this week. ... The starters are expected to play the entire first half in Saturday's game at Arizona. ... Turner was pleased with how the Chargers defended the pass and blocked against the Seahawks. "I think there are areas I see as being better already than we have been in the past and areas that we have been pretty good at we will continue to improve,'' he said. "I liked the way the secondary worked together and the way the offensive line (played).'' Individually, Turner mentioned LBs Jyles Tucker and Antwan Applewhite, and DLs Vaughn Martin and Ogemdi Nwagbuo. "(Martin) improved a lot during the game, ' Turner said of the fourth-round pick. "He's got a long ways to go, but he's a physical player that when he does it right, does it very well. There's times he's a little lost out there, but there are times he is very impressive.'' ... There were no serous injuries sustained in the game. ... DE Ryon Bingham (arm), RG Kynan Forney (neck) missed practice Monday.

NCT