CHARGERS UPDATE : NOTEBOOK / T.J. SIMERS : It’s Lucky Memphis Isn’t on the Schedule

Help wanted: Dan Henning translators.

Daily press briefings with the Charger coach have at times presented a challenge. For instance:

“During practice (defensive lineman) Mitchell Benson got kicked in the upper leg,” Henning announced Thursday, “but I think it will just be a bruise.

“And we play Cleveland this week, and if we had played Indianapolis, or if we had played Memphis when they came into the league or if we had played the Giants that might have been a little different, but because we play Cleveland and not the Raiders, we’ll be all right.”

Henning was asked what he had just said, and he replied, “Anything else?”

The Chargers continue to wait for a league response to their criticism of the officials in last week’s loss to the Rams.

“Just consistency,” Henning said. “You shouldn’t have to start worrying about what crew you have or how they’re going to judge something. If you can get some consistency, the players will play the game and that’s how it should be.”

Cleveland Coach Bill Belichick complained about the officiating in the Browns’ loss to Washington last week.

“Well, maybe it’s that week,” Henning said. “Maybe they had a bye. Maybe the officials had a bye the week before.”

Henning said tight end Derrick Walker will not practice today to rest an ailing knee, but he said he is expected to play against the Browns. Walker and tight end Arthur Cox, who missed last week’s game with a foot injury, both practiced Thursday.

Cleveland running back Kevin Mack, who leads the team with 64 carries for 241 yards and two touchdowns, is expected to miss Sunday’s game with a leg injury.

Former New York Giant running back Joe Morris, who has gained 137 yards on 41 carries, and Eric Metcalf, who has gained 66 yards on 23 rushes, are expected to fill the void left by Mack.

“Whoever is in there is going to be doing the same thing as Mack, only it won’t be Mack,” Henning said. “It doesn’t change preparations.”