CHARGERS UPDATE : NOTEBOOK : Miller Slowed by Muscle Pull; Hall Tests Sore Knee in Practice

Chargers wide receiver Anthony Miller was held out of Friday’s practice after suffering “a slight” quadriceps muscle pull earlier in the week.

Coach Dan Henning, however, said he’s still counting on Miller’s participation in Sunday’s game against the Seattle Seahawks. If Miller is unable to play, Henning said the team will rely on wide receiver Nate Lewis.

“It’s been bothering him, so we didn’t want to push it today,” Henning said. “We’ll see how he is (today). I think Anthony is going to be all right.”

Henning reported encouraging news on the condition of center Courtney Hall’s knee. Hall practiced Friday, and his status for Sunday’s game will depend on whether his knee swells from this recent workout.

Linebacker Billy Ray Smith, who gained more playing time in the Chargers’ 20-9 defeat to Seattle, is ready to contribute again if given the opportunity.

Smith has been bothered by a sore knee for much of the season, but he said he’s back to where he was before suffering the injury.

“I’m in just better overall condition; I’m not compensating for it anymore,” Smith said. “I’ve gotten great support from the training staff here, and have supplemented their work with visits to a therapist (Pete Egoscue) in Del Mar, who had worked on Jack Nicklaus’ back.

“I’ve worked with him off and on since 1986 or 1987 whenever I’ve had an injury. So I’ve been seeing him a lot the last couple of years.”

Smith has been credited with six tackles this season, and he picked off an errant Dave Krieg pass in the Kingdome. He will continue to play backup at inside and outside linebacker, but he will gain more playing time if the Seahawks place an emphasis on the running game.

Smith is in his ninth year with the Chargers, and while some have suggested that he has slowed down, he said he hasn’t given any thought yet to retirement.

“It’s kind of hard not to think about when I read what you guys write me about me every time,” Smith said. “My mind kind of wanders, but I think I’ve done a good job of keeping focused on the week coming up.

“I’d like to play until they put me in a box. But that depends on how I finish out the year and what happens in the courts (regarding free agency).”

Rookie running backs Eric Bieniemy and Chris Samuels received an extraordinary amount of work in practice Friday with the first unit. Samuels worked at H-back, and Bieniemy ran from the backfield.

Henning said it’s possible Bieniemy will get the call against the Seahawks. He has yet to carry the ball this season.

Henning told the Charger Backers at their weekly luncheon Friday that the team has put their 1-8 start behind them.

“We’ve taken the stance every game is the most important game you’re ever going to play,” Henning said. “We’re disappointed about the front part of the season, but as far as I’m concerned it’s past and gone. Since we’re going to play most of our games at home, we’ve saved the best for last.”

The Chargers finish the season with five of their final seven games at home.

The Marines will be collecting new, unwrapped toys at Sunday’s game for the annual Toys For Tots drive. Toys will be donated to area youth.