Chargers Optimistic of O’Neal’s Return

SAN DIEGO — The Chargers are growing less cautious and more optimistic by the day about the physical condition of defensive end Leslie O’Neal.

O’Neal hasn’t played a down since Nov. 30, 1986, when he injured his left knee. He was the team’s leading tackler and sacker at the time, and he was only a rookie.

Thursday afternoon, the Charger coaching staff put O’Neal through contact drills against offensive linemen for the second time in less than a week.

Week 6 is when O’Neal will be eligible to come off injured reserve and play against the Dolphins in Miami the following Sunday.