With NFL Lockout Over, Chargers Set to Open Camp

With the NFL lockout finally over, the Chargers will be among the first 10 teams to open training camp. Players can report to the team's facility beginning Tuesday morning, with camp officially beginning on Wednesday.

The 10 teams that play their first preseason game on Aug. 11, including the Seahawks vs. the Chargers (5 p.m., Qualcomm Stadium), will be the first to open camp the required 15 days before any preseason action.

NFL teams can start negotiating with free agents on Tuesday, but can't sign any of them before Friday. Draft picks and undrafted free agents can be signed as early as Tuesday.

Since teams can't practice in pads until Day 4 of camp, Wednesday through Friday at Chargers Park in Murphy Canyon should be a time for physicals, classroom preparation and walk-throughs of the playbook. The team hasn't announced when any camp workouts will be open to the public.

Team president Dean Spanos released a statement on Monday about the settlement between owners and players:

"I couldn't be happier to put this behind us and get back to football. I can't wait for the football season to start.

"I really want to thank the fans for their patience throughout this process. It has been a very difficult period for all of us.

"This new agreement is fair for both sides. Neither side got everything they wanted. It will give us labor peace for 10 years and helps secure the long-term future of the game. It will allow pro football to be even better, safer and more competitive, and to grow and prosper into the future. Bottom line, it's good for the game and the fans who love it so much."