NOTEBOOK / T.J. SIMERS : Bernstine Seeks Bigger Role, Perhaps Some Action at H-Back

There was talk during the off-season about the enhanced role of Rod Bernstine.

He was going to double as a running back and H-back, and like former tight end Kellen Winslow, he was going to become a big-time pass catcher once again.

At least that’s what Bernstine thought.

“That’s what I heard in the off-season, but it hasn’t happened,” Bernstine said. “I took about five snaps at H-back and that’s been it.

“I have no idea what my role is. It hasn’t changed from last year. You saw the first game, it hasn’t changed. I didn’t even get on the field in the first quarter.”

Bernstine carried the ball in the game 10 times for 45 yards and scored the Chargers only touchdown. He did not catch a pass.

“You know I’m never happy when I don’t get the ball,” Bernstine said. “I don’t ever like to sit on the sideline. I don’t know what’s going on.”

Jack Reilly, the Chargers’ quarterbacks coach, said Bernstine might draw some time at H-back Sunday against the Broncos. But he said the bulk of Bernstine’s playing time still will come at running back.

“He’s valuable as a total player,” Reilly said, “but most valuable to us as a runner.”

In the long run, that might not sit very well with Bernstine, especially if he’s asked to work as a goal-line specialist and Marion Butts’ reliever.

“You know I’m not going to put up with that too long,” Bernstine said. “I’ll play either position as long as I’m not on the sideline. My understanding was I was going to change and do a little bit more in the two-back set. It’s only been one game, so let’s see.”

The Chargers will be taking the ball machine to Denver so their not-so-sure-handed receivers can practice catching footballs on Saturday. But will they be taking a healthy Shawn Jefferson?

Jefferson was going to be the receiver that was going to make everyone forget last year’s problems. He was sensational in mini-camp and solid in training camp until he pulled a hamstring.

Jefferson pulled up in practice Friday because of that same hamstring. The club expressed concern at first with Jefferson’s availability for Sunday. However, after examination, the injury did not appear as serious.

“We’re going to take Shawn,” Coach Bobby Ross said. “We feel he’s going to be able to play. He has full flexibility and full strength. It turns out it was in a different area (than the previous injury). It was just kind of a (twinge).”

Broderick Thompson has started 68 consecutive games, including 36 in a row at right tackle.

However, Thompson’s streaks will come to an end in Mile High Stadium. Tackle Leo Goeas makes his first career start at right tackle.

Thompson suffered a bruised sternum and remains in too much pain to play. Goeas, who started the last four games in 1991 at left tackle, has never lined up on the right side--in the pros, college or in high school football.

Linebacker Billy Ray Smith continues to rehabilitate an injured hamstring muscle, but he will not join the team in Denver on Sunday. He said he was not invited, which he also pointed out is club procedure for players on injured reserve.

“I’m sure if I really wanted to go for some reason I could go to the coach and there would be no problem,” Smith said. “The hamstring is still sore and I can’t run on it.”

Smith said there is no doubt in his mind that he will return to play football once his hamstring heals.

The Chargers have worked overtime this week with their offensive line on handling the blitz. Last week the Chiefs took the Chargers by surprise, and as a result, the recorded five sacks.

“The ultimate test is when you go out there and play Sunday,” Ross said. “I’m going into the game expecting them to pressure us. I’m anticipating that. All you have to do is hit them once and that scares you. I think that’s what we got to do.”