Tight end Scott Chandler is willing and ready.

The Chargers hope they don't have to play the Chandler card often in the upcoming season. But the fact remains with training camp starting next month, the team has yet to see Pro Bowler Antonio Gates on the field.

Gates is still bouncing back from toe surgery, an injury that severely restricted him in the playoffs last season. There is no guarantee Gates, who suffered a dislocated toe, will be ready to go when the Chargers open the season on Sept. 7 against the visiting Panthers.

But remember that old adage of how someone being down jars open a door for someone else. Chandler, entering his second year, is that someone.

"For me personally, it's a good opportunity to get a lot of reps and to really improve," Chandler said.

But Chandler really got his NFL moments last year in the playoffs. With Gates in a walking boot up until game day, Chandler prepared as if he was playing in the season's biggest games.

"I was with the (first team) all through the week," said Chandler, a fourth-round pick out of Iowa last year who appeared in but one game for the Chargers.

"It was a good learning experience, and hopefully, I can build on that."

Coach Norv Turner said Chandler, while showing progress, has many miles to go.

"He's got a lot to learn," Turner said. "We have a specific set of things we want Scott to do to get better, and I think he's doing them. When we get into training camp, we'll see how far he's progressed."

No matter how much he improves, Chandler realizes he's not Gates. Chandler also wouldn't be surprised to see Gates playing in time for the opener.

"I think Gates is going to be back and in there doing his thing," Chandler said. "But I want to be prepared if my time comes to be in there."

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