Charger Camp : Fouts Ready to Start Against 49ers

Charger quarterback Dan Fouts, who says he is finally ready to take a hit, will start Thursday night’s exhibition game in San Francisco.

Coach Al Saunders had left the decision in Fouts’ hands, and Fouts, who has had a sore lower back, said Tuesday he felt strong during practice.

“I still have the discomfort,” he said, “but I’m learning to live with it. I feel well enough to play.”

Fouts’ playing time could range from two offensive possessions to an entire quarter. He will be relieved by Tom Flick, who likely will play the rest of the first half and part of the second half. Mark Vlasic and Mike Moroski will divide the rest of the time.

“I was talking to Dan today, and he said he was ready to go,” said Roger Theder, Charger quarterback coach. “I told him, ‘Let’s do it. Let’s get you in there.’ ”

Free agent Vince Abbott of Cal State Fullerton will attempt all the Charger field goals and extra points Thursday, according to special teams coach Wayne Sevier.

The Chargers, who were concerned with kicker Rolf Benirschke’s performance last season, are giving Abbott every opportunity to win the job. Asked if Abbott has the upper hand over Benirschke, Sevier said: “Put it this way: Here’s an opportunity for him. We want to see what he can do. We didn’t give enough reps (repetitions) to everybody (Sunday night against the Rams).”

Abbott’s only field-goal attempt against the Rams was a 43-yarder that hit the right upright. He had made his two previous attempts--from 44 and 39 yards--against the Dallas Cowboys. So far, Benirschke is 5 for 6 on extra points and has yet to try a field goal. The other kicker in camp, Jeff Gaffney, is 1 for 2 in field-goal attempts, but did not attempt a kick against the Rams.

Charger Notes

In theory, Coach Al Saunders is against Friday’s supplemental draft for players such as Ohio State wide receiver Cris Carter, who was ruled ineligible when he took money from an agent, and running back Charles Gladman of Pittsburgh, who refused to cooperate in an investigation into agents making payments to college players. “I hope they cancel (the draft) because I think it sets a dangerous precedent for college football,” Saunders said Tuesday. Saunders also said he doesn’t blame college coaches for being upset. At first, Pittsburgh Coach Mike Gottfried banned all professional scouts and coaches from his practices, but then he said that teams that do not participate in the draft will be permitted. “If I were a college coach,” Saunders said, “I’m certain I’d react in an equally angry manner.” On the other hand, Saunders said he’d love to have Carter. “Sheesh,” he said. “He’s a great receiver.” . . . Newly acquired wide receiver Bobby Johnson, who arrived in camp Monday and said he thought the coaches were laid back, caught flack Tuesday from Saunders, who is trying to change the Chargers’ country-club reputation. Saunders explained to Johnson that Monday was the day after a game and that it wouldn’t be so “laid back” from here on out. . . . The Chargers waived three players Tuesday: free-agent defensive backs Carl Brazley and Leander Knight and free-agent guard-tackle Steve Knight. Ram wide receiver Loren Richey beat Brazley on a 20-yard pass on Sunday night, setting up the Rams’ game-winning field goal. Leander Knight impressed the Chargers in off-season workouts, but his play leveled off in training camp. Steve Knight, bothered from the beginning of training camp with a hamstring injury, never once participated in a full-scale practice. . . . Saunders said Tuesday that defensive back Nelson Jones, a fifth-round pick from North Carolina State, “probably has been the most pleasant surprise of the draft choices.” Saunders said Jones can play cornerback and both safety positions and “has a real future in this league. I like the look in his eyes.” . . . Saunders said Barry Redden and Curtis Adams would start at running back against San Francisco Thursday night. Redden could play as much as three quarters. . . . Linebacker Billy Ray Smith, who agreed to contract terms Monday, will also play.