Swelled Knee Forces Seau To Sit

San Diego Chargers linebacker Junior Seau sat out two practices Monday because of swelling in his right knee.

Seau, who had a bone spur removed from his knee last month, wouldn't comment on whether he felt he would practice Tuesday.

"He's really been going on it more than we expected," Chargers coach Kevin Gilbride said. "It finally got to the point where it swelled up on him a little."

Gilbride attributed the swelling to overuse and didn't think Seau's knee problems were serious.

"Every once in a while, you've got to protect him from himself and let him cool down a little bit and get the fluid off the knee," Gilbride said of the Pro Bowl linebacker.

Meanwhile, Gilbride said he would name his starting quarterback for Saturday's exhibition opener against the San Francisco 49ers on Wednesday. Craig Whelihan is listed No. 1 on the depth chart, but rookie Ryan Leaf may draw the start.

"If we make a decision in one direction ... then pretty much it's made for the year," he said. "That's why we're hesitating making it because we want to make sure that if we do it, it doesn't become a yo-yo."

Gilbride said Leaf, the No. 2 overall pick in the NFL draft, will play one half on Saturday, whether he starts or not. Whelihan will play only one quarter if he's the starter, Gilbride said.

In addition to Seau, players who missed practice Monday with injuries were cornerback Dorian Brew (hamstring); linebacker Lew Bush (hip flexer/groin); free safety Michael Dumas (hamstring); and tight end Frank Hartley (knee).

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