CHARGERS UPDATE : NOTEBOOK / T.J. SIMERS : Bernstine Returns to Roster, Eager to Test Repaired Shoulder

The Chargers placed running back Peter Tuipulotu on injured reserve Friday to make room on their roster for running back Rod Bernstine.

Bernstine, who underwent shoulder surgery Oct. 19, has practiced without a problem this week. He said he remains “anxious” at the prospect of taking a hit on his repaired shoulder, but he said he came out of a collision with a defensive back in practice this week feeling no pain.

“I just got to get a real hit now; no buddy-buddy thing,” Bernstine said. “I’m going to carry the ball. . . . I would assume we’ll go back to our rotation, a couple of drives and then I’ll go in.”

Bernstine added, “I would say I’m not 100%, but I’m above 75%. You won’t see me going in there 100% trying to plow someone; I always put a few moves on now, I’m not Marion (Butts).”

Butts will start, and Bernstine will beef up his shoulder pads and await his opportunity.

“Bernstine worked full speed in practice,” Coach Bobby Ross said. “I’d want him to have some playing time before we got on the goal line; I wouldn’t want his first play to be on the goal line.”

*

The Chargers will release a player today and add cornerback Tony Blaylock to the roster. Ross said he has watched Blaylock practice throughout the week, and “I feel like we’re fine with whoever we start there.”

Blaylock opened the season as the Chargers’ starting cornerback, and when he went down with an ankle injury, Sean Vanhorse replaced him.

*

Starting safety Stanley Richard injured an upper leg and was held out of the remainder of practice Friday. Ross said there was no swelling and he said he did not think it would be a major problem.

*

Defensive end Burt Grossman, who has been bothered by a sore ankle, has worked this week. However, Ross said he may be used only in emergency situations or in specific situations.

*

The Bengals (4-9) come to San Diego with former Charger defensive coordinator Ron Lynn in charge of their defense.

“I always thought very highly of Ron when he was here,” said Charger guard David Richards. “But I don’t agree with his defensive philosophy at all.

“I’m not the high-risk, chancy type of player. His defenses blitz a lot, and they make good plays, but they also give up the big plays.

“In ‘89, nobody was complaining about his defense, and he’s a smart guy, but that’s just not the way I would do it.”

In 1989 the Chargers’ defense ranked sixth in the NFL; in 1990 it ranked fifth. This year the Bengals’ defense ranks 27th.