CHARGER NOTEBOOK / DAVE McKIBBEN : Friesz Showing Effects of Missed Practice Time

Quarterback John Friesz might not have been the picture of sharpness Wednesday night at the University of San Diego, but at least he won’t have to worry about Rod Bernstine taking his job.

On a halfback option pass, Bernstine threw a wobbler that hung up for what seemed like a minute before finally coming down in the arms of cornerback Sean Vanhorse.

“That was like a wounded duck,” Ross said. “He can throw that thing. He’s usually the one that throws that (option pass) the best. How embarrassing. That’s the way I used to throw as a quarterback in college.”

Ross said Friesz will get the majority of work with the first unit during Saturday’s scrimmage against the Rams at UC San Diego.

“He needs to sharpen up,” Ross said. “His reads are a little slow. The missed time shows. I’m not worried about it. It’s not a problem. He’s got to be more consistent.”

Ross once again was especially pleased with free agent receiver Walter Stanley.

“He continues to impress,” Ross said. “He’s caught ball after ball in traffic. He made a big catch in the middle at least eight times, including three (Wednesday night).”

So would Stanley be the early leader for the fourth wide receiver spot?

“It’s way to early to tell, but he has done some good things,” Ross said.

Charger General Manager Bobby Beathard said he has spoken to a few teams about holdout nose tackle Joe Phillips, but there has been little interest. Beathard said he will call every team in the NFL about Phillips except clubs in the Chargers’ division.

Beathard said he will not give Phillips away for nothing.

“If we don’t sign him, he’d sit out the season,” he said. “If we trade him we’re going to make it worthwhile for us.”

The NFL announced Beathard will be called to the witness stand next week at the Freeman McNeil trial in Minneapolis. Beathard will be a witness for the NFL in the case against McNeil.

Joe Browne, vice president of communications for the NFL, said in his news release that the NFL’s chances of victory are greater than is being portrayed be the media.

“There have been several media predictions of a verdict against the league since the trial began,” Browne wrote. “However, similar predictions were offered at the midway point of the USFL trial in 1986, and you can ask Donald Trump who won that suit. The NFL lawyers are anxious to present their case.”

Receiver Shawn Jefferson worked out for the first time since he strained his hamstring Monday, but not at full speed.

Jefferson will leave this morning for the funeral of his brother on Saturday. He is expected back at practice Sunday.

“I really wanted to be here for that scrimmage Saturday,” he said. “I had been doing so well. I didn’t want to get out of the groove.”

Free agent defensive end Blaise Winter (cut above the eye) and Donnie Elder (bruised knee) did not practice. Ross said Elder is questionable for Saturday’s scrimmage against the Rams.

Ross has pronounced the George Thornton weight problem over--at least for now.

“His weight is no longer an issue,” Ross said. “He’s doing well. He’ll be right where he needs to be by the time he starts the exhibition season.”

Ross said Thornton is currently the starter at one of the two interior defensive line positions.

“He’s done very well,” Ross said. “He’s had a good camp.”

Ross said he is pleased with the weight gain of defensive end Burt Grossman, who has put on some 30 pounds since last season.

“He’s able to get a lot more push,” Ross said. “He’s able to take the offensive lineman and drive him back a little bit better with no loss of movement.”