Fouts Won’t Practice This Weekend

Dan Fouts, looking relaxed despite lower back strain, showed up for training camp Friday, the day the Chargers’ veterans were scheduled to report, but said he would not practice this weekend.

Although the rest of the veterans will take their physicals today, Fouts, the Chargers’ starting quarterback, took his Friday and passed. Fouts says his status is still day-to-day.

“It’s getting better,” Fouts said. “When it gets right, I’ll be able to play.”

He first noticed a tightness in his back when he started training seriously for the season a few months ago.

“That’s pretty natural, but when it didn’t go away, I sought attention,” said Fouts, who went to a physician in Los Angeles who diagnosed the problem as lower back discomfort, not a new injury.

But Fouts, a six-time Pro Bowl quarterback, doesn’t plan to dwell on past injuries.

He acknowledged that there is “always the possibility” that he may not play again. “But knowing my history, I’m very confident,” he said.

Charger Note

The only signed veteran who did not show up for Picture Day Friday was Kellen Winslow, who was excused to attend a funeral.