Observations from Chargers camp:

No one had more fun than the old quarterback.

Just another August practice, but competition junkie Philip Rivers kept up a steady stream of chatter that Jack Kerouac – or a hip-hop artist -- would’ve admired.

Rivers’ No. 1 strength, Norv Turner once said, is this: he never gets bored. Doesn’t matter how many practices in a row, or how many times he’s thrown the same pass.


1 / 15 San Diego Chargers wide receiver James Jones makes a leaping catch over Steve Williams, right, during training camp. (K.C. Alfred) 2 / 15 San Diego Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers looks on during training camp. (K.C. Alfred) 3 / 15 San Diego Chargers General Manager Tom Telesco looks on during training camp. (K.C. Alfred) 4 / 15 A fan looks on as San Diego Chargers running back run a drill during training camp. (K.C. Alfred) 5 / 15 San Diego Chargers Keenan Allen makes a catch over Brandon Flowers during training camp. (K.C. Alfred) 6 / 15 San Diego Chargers Brandon Flowers, left, breaks up a pass to Tyrell Williams during training camp. (K.C. Alfred) 7 / 15 San Diego Chargers tight end Antonio Gates runs the ball after a catch during training camp. (K.C. Alfred) 8 / 15 San Diego Chargers Jason Verrett makes a catch during training camp. (K.C. Alfred) 9 / 15 San Diego Chargers Jason Verrett, left, covers Keenan Allen during training camp. (K.C. Alfred) 10 / 15 San Diego Chargers Jason Verrett makes a catch during training camp. (K.C. Alfred) 11 / 15 San Diego Chargers long snapper Mike Windt, left, holder Drew Kaser, and kicker Josh Lambo work on a drill during training camp. (K.C. Alfred) 12 / 15 San Diego Chargers coach Mike McCoy looks on during training camp. (K.C. Alfred) 13 / 15 San Diego Chargers punter Drew Kaser stretches during training camp. (K.C. Alfred) 14 / 15 San Diego Chargers Orlando Franklin (74) works out during training camp. (K.C. Alfred) 15 / 15 San Diego Chargers centers Chris Watt (65) and Max Tuerk look on during training camp. (K.C. Alfred)

Headed toward his 11th season as starter, he’s anything but bored.

Pity any Bolts defender who struts too much for Rivers’ liking. The man has a gift for G-rated smackdowns.

Tyrell Williams has figured out a few NFL tricks.


When Rivers conveyed a message, Williams made the right adjustment.

Touchdown.

Next play, Williams dialed into something else Rivers did.

Again, touchdown.


The sophomore receiver is polite like Malcom Floyd.

And like Floyd, he competes. When Casey Hayward thwarted him on a red-zone route in pass drills, Williams requested a rematch.

Touchdown.

Strike up the band: On Wisconsin! Tailback Melvin Gordon followed the block of former Badgers teammate Derek Watt, a rookie fullback, for a one-yard scoring plunge.


Denzel Perryman, practicing for the first time in eight days, said he should’ve “spilled” the play.

Perryman found the silver lining to his hiatus: “fresh legs.”

Perryman’s sidekick, Manti Te’o, got the jump on several plays.

Two days after sitting out team drills with a tweaked foot, Keenan Allen was Keenan Allen. He whipped several defenders.


Sophomore Darius Philon, the No. 1 beneficiary of Joey Bosa’s absence, is working all over the defensive front. He used rare quickness to create a tackle for loss.

Dontrelle Inman looks ready for the preseason opener, Saturday at Tennessee.

Several players are returning kickoffs. The apparent lead returner, Branden Oliver, is having an efficient camp.

Newcomer/WR James Jones, 32, is seldom getting clean releases.


Medical report: Not practicing were WR Travis Benjamin, WR-PR Javontee Herndon, C-G Spencer Pulley, DE Tenny Palepoi and DE Sean Lissemore. Herndon’s absence began July 31.