SAN DIEGO (AP) Hoping for a glimpse at a much better future, the San Diego Chargers will get their first in-game look at quarterback Philip Rivers in Friday's exhibition game against the Seattle Seahawks.
Rivers, who missed 29 practices and two preseason contests in a contract dispute, will take the field in the second quarter and play into the third period in relief of starter Drew Brees.
Albeit the rust has shown, Rivers' practices this week since signing a deal Monday that guarantees him $14.5 million, have been positive. But coach Marty Schottenheimer is eager to evaluate Rivers against a stout opponent.
''I think he's done about as well as might be expected,'' Schottenheimer said. ''I'm anxious to see him play in a game, because that will be a much better barometer for us.''
Brees has graded out well. In two games, he has completed 68 percent of his passes, with two touchdowns and an interception. But Schottenheimer isn't handing the starting job to Brees just yet.
There's still a chance Rivers could overtake Brees in time for the Sept. 12 opener in Houston, although it seems unlikely after his lengthy absence.
''I'm confident that I can catch up and get back to where I need to be,'' said Rivers, who worked for an extra 90 minutes after Thursday's practice. ''But I got to know it can't happen in a day or two days.
''Naturally, any competitor would want to come out here the first day of practice and try to get it all back, and everything is perfect. But I know that's not how it works. So I'm going to be patient, but I'm also pushing to get back to where I want to be as quickly as possible.
''I'm going to prepare like I am going to take the snaps on Sept. 12, understanding I'm behind and have to get there. I'm not going to play (Friday) thinking I better complete every pass and throw a bunch of touchdowns and make huge plays to get back to where I want to be.''
In the Seahawks, the Chargers will face a 2003 playoff team.
''There're a team a lot of people consider to be a very, very legitimate playoff contender, and it will be interesting to see how we match up against them, because I view them as one of the better teams of the NFC,'' Schottenheimer said. ''Their young quarterback (Matt Hasselbeck) has done a terrific job for them. They have good young players, they've drafted well and it'll be a pretty good litmus test for us.''
The Chargers' offensive regulars figure to play a good portion of the first half. The defense will match them, with some starters seeing action into the third quarter. Roughly the same rotation is expected for the Seahawks' first-string.
Among the units Schottenheimer will be keep a close on eye on are the wide receivers, linebackers, offensive line and kicking game.
The Chargers are still trying to find a bona fide No. 1 receiver after David Boston went to Miami. Schottenheimer needs to determine if Kevin Dyson can handle the job or if Reche Caldwell can rebound from some weak seasons or if Kassim Osgood's hands match his considerable size.
The receiving corps will be depleted Friday night, with Tim Dwight (hamstring), Eric Parker (groin) and Caldwell (groin) sidelined.
Along the line, the tinkering continues. Rookie Shane Olivea gets a look at right tackle, with Roman Oben flipping to the left side, one week after he flipped in favor of Courtney Van Buren.
Among the camp's surprises has been the play of rookie center Nick Hardwick, who was pressed into duty when Jason Ball requested a trade and didn't report.
At linebacker, Stephen Cooper and Zeke Moreno have played well on the inside of the 3-4 alignment. But Cooper was thought to be keeping the position warm for a mending Donnie Edwards (calf) and Moreno, a starter last year, was supposed to make room for free-agent pickup Randall Godfrey.
Edwards will start, when he's back at full speed, but he's practiced sparingly.
The Chargers' return game has been phenomenal, with Drayton Florence bringing back a kickoff 65 yards last week, and Luke Powell returning a punt 76 yards for a score.
Before breaking camp this week, Seahawks coach Mike Holmgren said backup quarterback Trent Dilfer will make his preseason debut against the Chargers. Dilfer sat out Seattle's first two preseason games with back spasms, but returned to practice earlier this week.
Dilfer will play most of the second half. Holmgren said he expects most of his starters to play most of the first half.
