The Sports Xchange

SAN DIEGO — The days are growing thin for the San Diego Chargers.

“Six more days on the grass,” coach Mike McCoy said.

The Chargers began their first of those six days on Monday. The team will wrap up its final voluntary workout session this week then jump into next week’s three-day mandatory minicamp.

Among the news at Chargers Park is the continued absence of Pro Bowl safety Eric Weddle, who is miffed that the Chargers have declined to offer him a contract extension.

He is expected to practice next week; because, if he misses those practices, he will be subject to a fine.

McCoy has declined to talk about Weddle, instead focusing on the players expending their sweat at Chargers Park.

“It was an outstanding, very productive day,” McCoy said. “I love their attitude and effort. There is a lot of good competition and a lot of players are getting quality work.”

McCoy said that is really what these offseason sessions are about: getting players, especially the younger ones, up to speed. Because once training camp starts next month, the coaches don’t have the luxury to go over scenarios umpteen times.

“We want to give everyone an opportunity to win a job,” McCoy said.

One player set for a roster spot — and new contract — is defensive tackle Corey Liuget. It appears he is nearing a deal to make him a Charger long term.

“Hopefully it gets done in the next couple of days or in a week or so,” the 6-foot-2, 300-pound Liuget said. “It’s very important to me because it gives me a sense of relief. I will be very thankful that the Chargers’ organization wants me here.”

Liuget, a first-round pick in 2011, led the team with 4.5 sacks and 19 tackles for loss last year. AS he enters his fifth season, the Chargers believe he will be a defensive cornerstone and possibly a Pro Bowl player.

Liuget also has embraced a more vocal, leadership role with the team.

Especially with Weddle being absent and the team losing veteran outside linebackers Dwight Freeney and Jarret Johnson in the offseason.

“A good leader doesn’t complain,” Liuget said. “You have to be able to break guys down and build them back up. And to get better each and every week.”

Next week, the intensity picks up with minicamp. And possibly a major story, if Weddle continues to distance himself from the Chargers in what appears to be his final year with the team.