Chargers missing 4 stars as camp hits high gear

Source: Associated Press Ryan Mathews SAN DIEGO (AP)—The San Diego Chargers didn’t have perfect attendance Friday for their first two full-squad practices of training camp. Running back Ryan Mathews, the heir apparent to LaDainian Tomlinson, hasn’t signed a contract yet and has missed five practices. He missed three practices earlier this week for rookies and selected veterans. Mathews was the 12th overall pick. The players picked on either side of him, San Francisco’s Anthony Davis and Philadelphia’s Brandon Graham, both agreed to deals on Friday, which could help Mathews and the Chargers finalize a contract. Also missing were outside linebacker Shawne Merriman, left tackle Marcus McNeill and Pro Bowl wide receiver Vincent Jackson. They are unhappy about their status as restricted free agents. While McNeill and Jackson are expected to have prolonged holdouts, Merriman’s holdout isn’t expected to be as long. Still, coach Norv Turner isn’t happy. “He needs to get back to where he’s p...