Charger Notebook : Sam Seale Signed and Delivered : Former Raider Cornerback to Replace Injured Pat Miller

The Chargers, looking to replace injured safety Pat Miller, signed former Raider cornerback Sam Seale Tuesday.

Seale met with Charger officials in the afternoon and was given a tryout before signing.

Coach Al Saunders had said Monday the Chargers were looking for a cover man to replace Miller, and Seale--who had four interceptions with the Raiders in 1986--seems to be that man.

Seale, a five-year pro, will back up starting cornerbacks Elvis Patterson and Gil Byrd.

Miller, who recorded one of the Chargers’ two sacks against the Raiders, underwent knee surgery Monday and will be out six to eight weeks.

The Chargers cut a possible backup cornerback--last year’s No. 2 draft pick Lou Brock--in training camp. Brock is now a reserve cornerback for the Seattle Seahawks, the Chargers’ opponent Sunday.

When linebacker Billy Ray Smith first injured his left calf two weeks into the exhibition season, nobody thought it was serious.

But Smith sat out Sunday’s game in Denver and is doubtful again for this week’s home opener against Seattle.

“When I first hurt it, there was so much swelling, everybody thought it was just a pull,” Smith said Tuesday. “But they couldn’t see the defect in the muscle.”

Smith is receiving treatment every day, but said Tuesday that unless the calf improves he will not play against Seattle.

“To go full speed forward or make a quick change of direction just isn’t possible right now,” he said.

The Chargers’ offense, good for only one touchdown in eight quarters, is struggling. The Seattle defense, ranked No. 5 in the AFC and No. 2 against the run, is playing well.

That’s obviously bad news for the Chargers. But what about Seattle’s defense?

Since last season, it has lost two Pro Bowl players, safety Kenny Easley and linebacker Fredd Young.

The defense apparently is thriving on the fact that it has no big names--save of course, Brian Bosworth, who is back where he’s most comfortable at right inside linebacker.

Then there’s defensive end Jacob Green, who has five sacks--three more than the Chargers--to lead the NFL.

The Seahawks have forced nine turnovers, tops in the AFC. The Chargers have forced only one.

Running back Gary Anderson, averaging 2.3 yards rushing, gained only 16 yards in 9 carries against Denver Sunday. But Saunders said Anderson will get the call Sunday.

“He’s a great talent,” Saunders said. “He had some injuries in training camp and he’s taking some time to get his eyes back. Hopefully, he’ll come around this week.”