PRO FOOTBALL DAILY REPORT : CHARGERS : Smith Latest Charger On Sidelines

Linebacker Billy Ray Smith has joined defensive end Burt Grossman on the sideline with a sprained knee.

“It’s more serious,” Smith said, “but it will take me shorter time to recover than Burt.”

Smith injured his leg in Saturday night’s 31-29 exhibition victory over Houston. He reported to dinner Sunday night with his right leg in a brace.

However, he said he received favorable medical reports after a morning examination.

“I had really good range of motion and it was not nearly as stiff as what they had anticipated,” Smith said, “so they were very optimistic about the recovery period.”

Smith said he could be ready in a week or two, while Coach Dan Henning said the team expects Smith to be out of action for three to six weeks.

Grossman injured his knee last week, and the team said he would miss the first two exhibition games.

Marion Butts update: “Same old thing,” Butts said. “Something has to be done. What, I do not know.”

Stanley Richard, the team’s first-round pick, is expected to receive a physical examination today and join the team for practice at 9. The Chargers said Richard would sign his contract Sunday night.

The Chargers will practice against the Oilers today at 9 and 4 on their UCSD practice fields.