SAN DIEGO -- Rookie outside linebacker Larry English is expected to be sidelined again when the San Diego Chargers play their second preseason game Saturday night at Arizona.
English, the Chargers' first-round draft pick, again was unable to work in team drills Wednesday because of a balky left hamstring that has cost him two weeks of training camp, including the preseason opener.
While his teammates went through the afternoon session, English toiled with trainer James Collins and did a series of mobility drills.
English said the injury is frustrating, but he doubts missing so much of camp will hinder him when the regular season starts.
"If it came down to it, I feel like I could play today," English said. "It's just one of those things where we are being cautious in the preseason and not trying to rush anything."
English, who never experienced hamstring problems in college at Northern Illinois, said his hamstring became aggravated when conditioning for the NFL combine. English doesn't believe the injury is in that same area, although it is the same leg.
Before his hamstring strain, English was a regular in the outside linebackers' rotation. And when a mending Shawne Merriman required a breather, English often ran with San Diego's starters.
Recently, though, he has just worked with trainers in trying to get his hamstring right. While he can't do the on-field work, he's still paying attention.
"I'm just trying to stay sharp mentally and physically," English said. "You really got to take mental reps and picture the plays that are called and what your responsibility is."
English, the 16th overall pick, remains upbeat that he'll be a steady contributor in his rookie season.
"I don't think it's going to be a setback at all," he said. "I think once I get back in there, I'll be fine and get back into the groove quickly."
Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press
