PRO FOOTBALL REPORT / WEEKDAY UPDATE : CHARGERS : Glenn to Miss Houston Game

The last line of defense for the Chargers for the past 54 games will not be there Sunday when Houston unleashes its run-and-shoot offense.

Coach Dan Henning announced Thursday that starting free safety Vencie Glenn will miss Sunday’s game because of the lingering effects of a concussion suffered in last week’s 24-14 victory against Cleveland.

Glenn is still bothered by headaches and soreness in his neck. “That’s the reason for the doctor’s concern,” Henning said. “That’s why they have ruled him out this week.”

The club signed Michael Brooks earlier to ease the shortage in the secondary, and might add a defensive lineman to the roster if Glenn is placed on injured reserve.

Henning said safety Lester Lyles will play in place of Glenn.

The Chargers worked out two more defensive linemen Thursday in their search to fill the void left by Joe Phillips, who was attacked outside a Mission Beach restaurant Wednesday.

Former Packers’ defensive end Shawn Miller and former Redskins’ nose tackle Milford Hodge were given the once over.

“They have what you’re looking for athletically,” defensive line coach Gunther Cunningham said. “They have both started, have good size, and are a little bit older than most of the players we have.”

Henning said injuries to Glenn and Phillips may affect the timing of the team’s decision to bring back offensive tackle Joel Patten.

Team physician Gary Losse said Patten will be cleared to return to practice Monday, but the rules concerning the league’s new developmental squads may preclude Patten’s immediate return.

“We’re not sure with the injuries to Vencie and Joe that we can afford to do that right now,” Henning said. “We may have to find people and start training them.”

For your Sunday entertainment, keep an eye on No. 56 when the Chargers kick off to Houston.

Steve Hendrickson, an otherwise charming fella, is a wild man running down the field in kickoff coverage. He made a name for himself with Super Bowl champion 49ers, and in his Charger debut last week, crushed Cleveland returner Eric Metcalf.

“When I was with the 49ers, everybody was trying to pick me off as I came down the field,” he said. “That’s fine. If it takes two guys to block me, then that frees somebody up.”

How much interest is there in the Chargers in Houston? On Wednesday quarterback Billy Joe Tolliver reported to San Diego Jack Murphy Stadium at 6:45 a.m. to conduct a telephone conference call interview with the Houston media.

Only one problem: Nobody showed up.

At 7:30 Henning gave it a try, and again, no answer.