Charger Notebook : Settlement Appears Closer in Winslow Dispute
The Chargers and tight end Kellen Winslow appear close to settling their difference of opinion over Winslow’s health that resulted in Winslow’s suspension 10 days ago.
“I had hoped we’d settle this thing by Monday,” Winslow said Wednesday. “But at least there has been progress.”
Steve Ortmayer, the Chargers’ director of football operations, said the Chargers “don’t want this thing to continue any longer than they do.”
“If they think there’s progress,” he said, “that is an indication that there is progress.”
At the heart of their disagreement is Winslow’s contention that he can no longer play football, even though he passed the Chargers’ physical this summer. Winslow also maintains the Chargers owe him the entire amount of his guaranteed 1988 base salary of $795,000.
“Meanwhile, I remain suspended,” said an irritated Winslow. “I carry the stigma of a malingerer and I have done nothing wrong.”
Winslow said Charger owner Alex Spanos had taken an active role in negotiations to resolve the suspension.
Winslow: “In my mind, I am finished playing football.”
The Chargers’ quarterback situation being what it is, Coach Al Saunders is prepared to do an uncommon amount of juggling this season.
True, Babe Laufenberg was handed the starting job for the opener against the Raiders at the Coliseum last Sunday, and he still has it. He earned the right to start against the Broncos in Denver this Sunday by completing 17 of 29 passes for 195 yards and a touchdown.
But Saunders almost went to the bullpen for Mark Malone in the Raider game, and he said Wednesday that he might do so at any time.
“There was a point where I considered a change,” Saunders said. “It was very hot, and Babe was cramping up, and we hadn’t generated much offense. We got together on the sideline and discussed putting in Malone.
“Then Babe started moving the team well, so we stayed with him, and he wound up with a very creditable performance.
“But, if either quarterback has a tough time, we won’t hesitate to make a change. Sometimes you’re dealing with an ego situation, and being taken out can be deflating. We don’t have to worry about that here.”
The status of injured Charger linebacker Billy Ray Smith remained unchanged. Smith, who has a calf injury, was listed as doubtful on the injury report, meaning that he has only a 25% chance of playing Sunday.
“He reinjured the calf in the first quarter of the Raider game,” Saunders said. “He got the injury four or five weeks ago. It’s about the same now as it was last week at this time. If it isn’t better by Saturday, he probably won’t play.”
If Smith isn’t ready, David Brandon will start at right outside linebacker opposite Keith Browner.
The Chargers apparently won’t have to contend with Vance Johnson, one of the Three Amigos--the Broncos’ outstanding wide receivers.
Johnson has a sore left shoulder and Bronco Coach Dan Reeves said Wednesday there was little chance of his being ready.
“I guess it will be just two amigos this week,” Reeves said, referring to Ricky Nattiel and Mark Jackson.
To adjust to Johnson’s expected absence, the Broncos re-signed Rick Massie, cut former Olympic sprinter Sam Graddy and gave a tryout to Dokie Williams, former San Francisco 49er from El Camino High School in Oceanside.
Also missing from the Denver lineup will be guard Stefan Humphries, who has been put on injured reserve with an arm injury and has been replaced on the roster by guard Larry Lee.
Keith Kartz, an alumnus of San Dieguito High School in Encinitas, will start in Humphries’ spot. He also might be an extra tight end, because Clarence Kay (neck injury) is doubtful.
Orson Mobley is Kay’s understudy, but handyman Steve Sewell, basically the No. 2 fullback, also might fill in at tight end.
“Sewell can play just about anywhere,” Reeves said.
Charger Notes
Running backs Robert Johnson and Lynn Williams were waived off injured reserve by the Chargers Wednesday. Both were first-year players. Johnson is from San Jose State and Williams from Kansas. . . . Nose tackle Mike Charles and defensive end Les Miller were listed as questionable, meaning they have about a 50-50 chance of playing Sunday.