SAN DIEGO – A retooled defensive line has been in place almost one year.
Enough time for the new parts to become familiar with each other.
It’s also been short enough to happen without 
Bingham, who backed up Jamaal Williams at nose tackle, primarily on passing downs, and also played at defensive end, is 100 percent healthy and eager to reclaim his role as a versatile veteran.
(My arm) feels great. I’m ready to get after it this year,” Bingham said. “That period of time (during the injury) was tough, but it’s behind me now. I look forward to contributing this year.”
The 6-foot-3, 303-pound defensive lineman attended every day of offseason conditioning. Head Coach Norv Turner recognized Bingham as one of the offseason’s best performers.
“I’m happy for Ryon that he has recovered from the injury,” Turner said. “I’m excited for him to be back and I want to see him have a great training camp.”
As for the new mix of veterans and young, athletic talents at the position, Bingham will get a better chance to evaluate them once camp commences in full Friday, but he’s made an initial analysis.
“It’s changed a lot since I was playing my first years here,” Bingham said. “We have a lot of good talent, a lot of good guys. Older vets. I think they add a lot to the table. It’s cool to be a part of that.”
SOMETHING TO PROVE:
The third-year linebacker feels like a rookie, and not just because of their sheer numbers at Chargers Park this week.
“When you get an injury like that, it’s almost like starting over physically and mentally,” Applewhite said. “You have to stat over, you have to learn things again and you have to get your body going again. Getting the early time was good for me.”
Applewhite’s immersed himself in recovery, devoting time to rehab, massages, watching film and meeting with coaches and fellow players.
“I hope to show (the coaches) that I’m back the way I was, back to life,” he said. “I felt like I was playing pretty well last year before I got hurt, so I just wanted to show them that I can get back to that point so they can have faith in me.”
MAN IN RED:
The 11th-year veteran gives San Diego a two-headed presence at the position, two guys that can provide credible advice that’s respected by receivers.
“I think it’s huge just knowing how much football he’s been around,” Naanee said. “The fact that he knows his stuff. I don’t want to call him a coach, but he’ll give you those little coaching points that you need to hear on certain plays. You respect him for that and you know that when you’re in there with him, especially in the preseason, things are going to get done.”
