Charger Notebook : Hendy’s Injury to Cost Him 2-4 Weeks; Dale Also Sidelined

Defensive back John Hendy will miss two to four weeks with a severe knee sprain, further handicapping the Chargers at the position where they are thinnest.

Hendy is considered the most versatile of the team’s defensive backs--with the ability to play safety and cornerback--but he also appears to have the worst luck.

When he was injured Monday attempting to break up a pass, he was participating in his first full-contact scrimmage since suffering a partially dislocated shoulder before training camp. A year ago, he had missed the entire exhibition season with an infection.

Coach Don Coryell said he was relieved Hendy wouldn’t be lost for the rest of the season, which was his fear when Hendy was hurt Monday.

The Chargers will be without starting safety Jeff Dale for several more weeks. Dale underwent arthroscopic knee surgery last week.

Although Coryell is concerned about the injuries and lack of depth in the secondary, he said he is encouraged by the overall gain in team speed shown by the new Charger defense.

“We have some people up front who can really run,” he said. “A step or two makes a big difference in getting to the quarterback. It makes those defensive backs look a lot better.

“And with the type of pressuring defense we’re playing now, you need fast guys.”

The early scouting report on rookie offensive linemen James FitzPatrick and Jeff Walker is mixed.

FitzPatrick is far behind most of the blockers in camp, according to Coryell. The Chargers are experimenting with FitzPatrick this week at left tackle, but eventually may return him to the other side of the line.

FitzPatrick, a first-round draft choice, reported to camp overweight at 314 pounds after a weeklong holdout. He has shown athletic ability, but coaches say he needs more strength and competitiveness before he is ready to challenge for a starting role.

Walker, meanwhile, could became a starter well before FitzPatrick. Walker, a third-round draft pick, played much of the second half against Dallas last Saturday and made a favorable impression on the coaches.

“He’s strong, has good balance and is firm in setting up to protect the passer,” Coryell said.

Walker is still behind starting guards Sam Claphan and Dennis McKnight, but may dislodge one of them if his progress continues.

“We’re really pleased with him,” Coryell said. “I had my doubts when he didn’t come to rookie camp. I wondered if he didn’t want to compete, or if he just listened to his agent and his father. But, shoot, he’s doing well now. He can run for a big guy.”

For years, tight end has been the team’s deepest position, and there’s been no decline. In fact, Coryell said he has noticed an improvement in the blocking of Pete Holohan, who has been noted for having the best hands of any San Diego receiver, but was considered a less accomplished blocker than Eric Sievers.

Coryell said Holohan didn’t miss a block in eight attempts against the Cowboys.

The coach also liked what he saw of Kellen Winslow, who made a nifty 42-yard pass reception and showed an inclination to block with authority. “But Kellen still needs to get knocked around a little in there,” Coryell said.

Wayne Peace, engaged in a skirmish with Tom Flick for the No. 3 quarterback job, made a relatively good impression on Coryell in the second half against Dallas.

“He didn’t hesitate at all,” Coryell said. “He got back, got set and got rid of the ball in a hurry.