CHARGER UPDATE : NOTEBOOK / T.J. SIMERS : Henning Puts Team’s Chances Against 49ers in Perspective

The Chargers have been hounded by turmoil in the early going, and will be heavy underdogs Sunday in San Francisco.

Do the Chargers have any chance of avoiding an 0-2 start?

“Oh, we think we have a chance,” Coach Dan Henning said. “Maybe slim . . . They’ll play all right.”

Charger running back Marion Butts ran five times for six yards against Pittsburgh, but he said Thursday he experienced no problems in his first action after being a holdout through training camp.

“I didn’t really have any difficulties,” he said. “It takes a little time to catch up. I have to work with the offensive line and understand their blocking schemes, but once I get used to running behind them, I’ll pick up the yardage.”

With the firing of offensive coordinator Ted Tollner, the Chargers are expected to stress their running game. But how long before Butts regularly can contribute?

“If I had a back like Marion Butts,” tackle Broderick Thompson said. “I’d be patient and wait for him.”

Rod Bernstine, meanwhile, will start against the 49ers.

After the loss to Pittsburgh, Henning had some concerns about the Charger defense. He suggested that it might be too complicated for defensive coordinator Ron Lynn’s players.

The Chargers, however, will not simplify their defense for the 49ers.

“Ron has assured me that they’re going to get things right,” Henning said.