O’Neal Is a Charger No-show

Outside linebacker Leslie O’Neal was the only unexpected no-show Sunday as the Chargers opened their six-day mini-camp.

O’Neal, whose 12.5 sacks were third in the AFC last season, is a free agent and therefore not required to participate.

He told team officials over the weekend that he did not want to risk injury at mini-camp while not under contract. O’Neal missed more than 22 months because of a 1986 knee injury.

“There is always a consideration in his mind with that knee,” Coach Dan Henning said. “I’d like to see him get that thing worked out.”

Two of the other 13 unsigned veterans--cornerback Gill Byrd and free safety Vencie Glenn--chose to limit their participation to individual drills, Henning said.

“They are worried about rookies coming down, running them over,” Henning said. “Maybe once they see how things are going, it will ease their mind a little bit.”

Eighty-six of the 89 players on the Charger roster showed up for the opening afternoon workout, including all 17 unsigned draft choices.

Also missing were inside linebacker Cedric Figaro, an unsigned veteran and nose tackle Tony Gunn, a rookie free agent from Nevada Las Vegas and Lincoln High School. Figaro is taking final examinations at Notre Dame, and Gunn was married Saturday. Both are expected by team officials later in the week.

Three players were held out because they are coming off injuries: H-back Joe Caravello (knee), and offensive linemen Mike Simmonds (knee) and Larry Williams (shoulder).

Wide receiver Walter Wilson, a third-round draft choice from East Carolina, arrived in time to take part after participating in graduation ceremonies Saturday in Greenville, N.C.

The mini-camp will continue today with workouts at 10:30 a.m. and 4 p.m at the Chargers’ practice facility at San Diego Jack Murphy Stadium. Practices are open for public viewing.