Muscle Tear Again Clouds the Future of Chargers’ Smith : Football: Linebacker plays it cautious with latest calf injury, which he says is not nearly as serious as his problem in 1988.

Linebacker Billy Ray Smith has been a shining light in dark times for the Chargers, but as he prepares himself for year No. 10 in the NFL, the times become tougher yet.

Smith entered training camp knowing he had to prove himself once again to new Coach Bobby Ross, but on his first day of practice, he injured his leg.

Medical tests Friday revealed that Smith had suffered a slight muscle tear in his calf. The injury itself is not considered that serious, but Smith’s history of problems with this calf muscle raises serious questions about his future with the team.

In 1988 a far more significant injury in training camp to the same calf forced Smith to miss much of the action in the first five regular-season games. A calf injury forced Smith to finish last season on injured reserve.

Injuries of various sorts have allowed Smith to start in only 13 of the Chargers’ last 32 games.

“It’s nothing serious, but it’s something that could re-occur, too,” Ross said. “If he comes back too soon, there could (be danger in tearing the muscle further). It’s something that could be chronic. It’s like you sprain an ankle and never get over it.

“It hurts us because he was a guy we were figuring on. He’s missing a lot of valuable time in a new system.”

The Chargers will work Henry Rolling at outside linebacker, and Ross has high hopes for David Grayson, who is expected to return to practice fully healed from a broken leg sometime after Aug. 1.

While Smith waits on the sideline, the new coaching staff will move forward in its effort to develop linebacker Kevin Little, the team’s fifth-round pick.

“We were doing drills and I planted and cut back up the field and felt a little ping,” Smith said. “I can’t run on it. I can walk around fine on it, but running and pushing off of it is the problem. It’s 1% of what it was in ‘88; it’s just a little thing.

“We’re just being careful with it.”

The number of holdouts continues to dwindle.

Tackle Broderick Thompson signed a contract Friday morning, and tackle Leo Goeas arrived late in the day to add his signature.

Kicker John Carney met with General Manager Bobby Beathard, and there are indications that he might be ready to report for duty today.

Beathard said the team also “might have something” with linebacker Gary Plummer.

There have been no discussions regarding quarterback John Friesz, however. Beathard has not spoken with agent Leigh Steinberg, and Steinberg has declined to return phone calls to the media. Friesz said Friday night that he would have no comment on his negotiations.

Former Charger kicker Rolf Benirschke was a visitor to training camp. Benirschke is expected to replace former tight end Kellen Winslow on KNSD’s weekend SportsWrap show this fall.

The best battle of training camp is being waged daily between linebacker Leslie O’Neal and tackle Harry Swayne.

O’Neal, who has a reputation for working hard in practice, has been putting a mighty charge on Swayne, who was voted co-lineman of the year by his teammates last season.

Swayne said it’s a “no-yes” situation in regards to O’Neal’s early arrival in training camp.

“No, I don’t like it because he comes every play and he doesn’t look as rusty as me,” Swayne said. “And, yes, I like it because he’ll work the rust out of me real fast.

“He beat me up this morning and I beat him up a little this afternoon. It’s two fighters slugging it out. It’s good for both of us. He can make you look bad, so I have to go 110%.”

Ross said he has been pleased with the work of the team’s late-round draft selections.

Safety James Fuller, the team’s eighth-round pick, has caught Ross’ fancy.

“That’s a real good football player,” Ross said.

Ross has told John Dunn, the team’s strength and conditioning coach, to no longer release the weights and running times of the players.

Dunn told the media a few days ago that defensive tackle George Thornton had weighed in 13 pounds over the team’s mandated weight of 295.

“I’m not trying to hide his weight, I just don’t want him to think I’m portraying him as a guy that’s fat and overweight,” Ross said. “I really think he’s working very good and I’ve been very pleased with him.

“He is carrying more pounds than I think he should be carrying, and I feel he will get to the weight we want.”