Coach Pleased With Chargers’ Progress

Coach Al Saunders reiterated Sunday his satisfaction with the Chargers’ performance in Saturday’s 34-27 loss to San Francisco.

“There’s one word to describe the team’s performance: progress,” he said. “I was very, very happy with what transpired against one of the strongest, if not the strongest, teams in the NFL.”

Saunders said he would not decide on the winner of the quarterback battle between Babe Laufenberg and Mark Malone until at least Tuesday or Wednesday.

“Both quarterbacks played well and did what we asked of them,” Saunders said. “We’re excited about the development of both of them.”

Saunders also praised three young receivers--Jamie Holland (3 catches for 118 yards), Anthony Miller (5 for 96) and Quinn Early (2 for 41 and 2 touchdowns).

“We’re going to have a big-play offense,” Saunders said. “The young receivers are maturing every day.”

Charger Notes

Harold Daniels, agent for holdout linebacker Chip Banks, said Sunday there is no new progress in the team’s negotiations with Banks, and that he’s not sure when Banks will report. “I wish I did (know),” Daniels said. “Agents can’t make any money if the players aren’t playing.” Daniels said he last talked with Banks on Saturday. . . . The Chargers will return to their regular-season practice schedule this week, working out once a day. . . . Injured linebacker Billy Ray Smith (calf) will begin practicing on Wednesday or Thursday, but Saunders said it is doubtful that he will play in Friday’s exhibition game against the Rams. . . . Saunders said he expects to announce more cuts Tuesday morning. All NFL teams must trim their rosters to 60 players by then. There are 84 players in camp, and 86 on the roster (defensive lineman Joe Phillips continues to hold out with Banks).