Smith’s Roster Spot Is Secure If He Stays Healthy, Ross Says

There has been speculation by key officials within the Chargers’ organization recently that linebacker Billy Ray Smith has been slowing down on his last good leg, and as a result, the team might pressure him to retire or release him.

Coach Bobby Ross, however, said Tuesday that Smith is running at full speed, and if he continues to be a full-time participant in practice, there is no doubt he will make the team.

“I would expect him to make the roster,” Ross said. “Yeah, I would expect him to play.

“I see Henry (Rolling) as being the starter and Billy Ray as being a backup right now. That’s the way it ended last season and there hasn’t been anything to change that during the course of our camp.”

General Manager Bobby Beathard said the Chargers need Smith, but he acknowledged he had his doubts about Smith’s availability this season after Smith suffered a calf injury on the first day of training camp.

“He got the calf healed and practiced and then the (hamstring pull) happened,” Beathard said. “I said earlier, you just keep your fingers crossed with Billy Ray.

“Last year we got some mileage out of him and we want to get something out of him this year. I think it’s wishful thinking, though, to think you will get 16 games out of him.”

Smith, who begins his 10th year in the NFL, suffered a slight calf muscle tear in his first training camp workout. He injured the same calf in 1988, and then again in 1991. Last week, while trying to return to the practice field, he pulled a hamstring muscle.

Smith, the heart and soul of the defense in the late ‘80s, is listed with the third team on the depth chart. He has been wearing a green jersey, which still indicates a medical concern, but Ross said it’s time the green jersey comes off.

“Let’s do that,” Smith said. “I’m damn near healthy. The last couple of days I’ve been working with the boys and I was happy with the way I was reading plays today.”

Smith reacted with surprise when told of speculation within the club that his career might be at an end.

“That’s OK,” Smith said. “The doctor told me after the calf was torn (in 1988) that he hasn’t seen anybody come back from it. The same thing was said when I tore my stomach muscle (in 1990); it was supposed to be a career-ender.

“That’s part of the game. I chose to play this game and they have paid me quite well over the years to play it. Listen, if they want to do that, that’s certainly within their rights.

“If they want to move me or ask me to move, I would first tell them it’s going to be a mistake. Then I’d say, if you’re really dead set on it, doggone it then . . .”

The Chargers are going to keep Smith, however, and he said he still has some football to play.

“I think last year I showed I had plenty of football left,” said Smith, who was selected AFC Defensive Player of the Week for his play in a victory over New Orleans. “I still came in and I played damn well.”

As for his assignment as backup outside linebacker, Smith pointed out, “We’re not starting the season yet. That’s the way we came into camp and I sure haven’t done anything up to this point to move myself up. I have no problem with that.

“But I think when you accept your role as a backup that’s when you’re one step away from going to play in the World League. I’m still going to work and compete for the position.”

Ross said that Rolling is the Chargers’ first-team left outside linebacker and will start Friday night against the 49ers. The defensive coaches continue to work him, however, with the second-string defense behind Steve Hendrickson.

“I’d say right now (the starter) is Henry,” said linebacker coach Dale Lindsey. “He’s been injured and he was the starter before he twisted his ankle. The job is still his. We’re just waiting to see if he’s totally healthy.

“I think he’s going to be just fine. An ankle injury can hamper a player all year and I don’t want to go in the first game with a nagging injury. I want to give him time to get well.”

The Chargers released Plan B defensive end Greg Joelson. The team must reduce its 79-man roster to 60 players come Aug. 25th.

Ross said linebacker Gary Plummer was given permission to miss practice Tuesday because of personal reasons.

Beathard said the Chargers have a trade proposal on the table with the Eagles involving unsigned nose tackle Joe Phillips. Beathard has asked for a player in return, but he said Philadelphia has not responded.

Quarterback Bob Gagliano has been throwing the ball well in practice the past two days. The same cannot be said for newly acquired quarterback Stan Humphries.

The Chargers have had Gagliano working with the first-team offense; Humphries has been in charge of the third team.

Ross said no conclusions should be drawn from those practice assignments. He would not say who would start against the 49ers, although it will be a surprise if Gagliano doesn’t get the call.

Ross said Humphries will draw time, however, with the first offensive unit.

Ross had high hopes for outside linebacker David Grayson, but Grayson has not recovered from a broken leg suffered last season and will be carried on the Chargers’ physically unable to perform list this year.

Grayson will be eligible to begin practicing with the team after the first regular-season contest and will be eligible to join the roster after the sixth regular-season game.

Ross said the team faces tough decisions on the playing status of defensive back Donnie Elder and H-back Craig McEwen. Elder has not practiced the past few weeks because of a knee injury, and McEwen stands idle with a sore tendon in his foot.

If the Chargers elect to put Elder and McEwen on injured reserve Aug. 25, Beathard said they will not be eligible to rejoin the team this season.