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Chargers Camp Report: Day 5

SAN DIEGO -- A daily review of the hot topics coming out of San Diego Chargers training camp:

For a second straight day rookie Chris Watt worked with the starters at right guard, with Johnnie Troutman working at right guard with the second unit. Both are filling in until last year’s starter, Jeromey Clary, returns from the physically unable to perform list after offseason shoulder and hip surgery.

For the most part, Watt has been assignment correct and held his own during one-on-one pass drills. But another measuring point for the third round selection out of Notre Dame will be how he performs against Dallas on Aug. 7 at Qualcomm Stadium.

Speaking of rookies, second-round selection Jeremiah Attaochu continues to flash speed and athleticism in his first week of training camp. The Georgia Tech product has been used as a pass rush specialist in passing situations.

However, at times Attaochu has been a little overzealous in pursuing the ball carrier. Attaochu was beat on a wheel route by Ryan Mathews and tackled him by legs, a no-no during team drills when players are supposed to keep hitting above the waist.

And while rushing the passer, Attaochu pushed tackle Michael Harris back in to quarterback Kellen Clemens, who hit his hand on Harris’ helmet following through on a pass down the field. But the Chargers can live with Attaochu’s enthusiasm, as long as he’s playing aggressive and making plays.

Jarret Johnson, Dwight Freeney and Antonio Gates returned to practice after taking rest days on Sunday. Receiver Vincent Brown remained out for a third straight day with a calf injury. And Melvin Ingram also did not practice, apparently taking a rest day for his surgically repaired knee. Clary remains on the PUP list.

Mathews moved well working with the offense in two-minute drills on Tuesday. After catching a pass out on the flat, Mathews made a nice open-field move to avoid an oncoming Manti Te'o. Mathews also showed nimble feet finding cutback lanes in the run game.

Perhaps Mathews had some extra motivation with LaDainian Tomlinson on hand for Monday’s practice. Now an analyst for the NFL Network, the former San Diego running back talked with his former teammates like Rivers and Gates, along with Mathews and Dwight Freeney, after practice.

The Chargers wore pads for a third straight day on Monday, but will take a day off on Tuesday. San Diego returns to practice on Wednesday, beginning at 5:50 p.m. ET. Wednesday’s practice is open to the public.