The Chargers yesterday redid the contracts of outside linebacker Jyles Tucker and defensive back Steve Gregory, taking their commitment to locking up young players to another level.

K.C. ALFRED Union-Tribune Newly enriched Jyles Tucker left last night's game with a leg injury. He says it's just a bruise.

“They are the most forward-thinking organization in the NFL,” said David Canter, agent for both players.

Canter would not confirm the numbers involved in the deal, but league sources said Tucker is guaranteed $6.5 million as part of the five-year deal. Gregory, who can play safety and cornerback, was extended for four years and will get $2 million guaranteed.

Gregory, whose deal is worth potentially almost $5 million, is mostly a special teams contributor, though he has played well in spots at safety.

The deal for Tucker, who could get $14 million over the life of the deal, is sensational for the fact he has not even played a full season in the NFL.

An undrafted free agent in 2007, Tucker was activated before last season's 11th game. Including the postseason, he has played in nine games.

“It's early,” Chargers General Manager A.J. Smith acknowledged.

But Smith insisted this was business as usual.

“All this is, is being consistent with identifying young players from within and trying to get something done,” Smith said.

The Chargers have re-signed or reworked the contracts of 23 current players since 2004, including 12 starters plus both kickers.

The logic in doing such deals is that if the player ends up being as good as the team projects, their contract is a bargain. For the player, the deals provide early security.

Multiple agents across the league expressed shock at the deal for Tucker, who would have been under Chargers control through 2010 without the new deal.

“Wow!” one wrote via text.

Said Canter: “There was no expectation either of these deals were going to come down the pipeline this early.”

Tucker's extension could give further credence to the idea Shawne Merriman will not be a Charger after his contract expires following the 2009 season.

More immediately, Tucker will be the primary replacement for Merriman, should the three-time Pro Bowler be unable to play this season because of his knee injuries.

“He may be a backup right now,” Smith said of Tucker. “He may be a starter very soon.”

Tucker left last night's exhibition game with an ankle injury, but limped only slightly on the way to the locker room and later said it was just a bruise and he was fine.

He is a solid pass rusher but the Chargers believe he has the potential to be great. Filling in for the injured Merriman on Dec. 30, Tucker sacked Oakland's JaMarcus Russell three times, forcing two fumbles and recovering one in the end zone.

“I don't think anyone knows how good a player Jyles Tucker will be,” Smith said. “I think he's going to be very, very good. It's up to him now.”

Sproles impressive

Darren Sproles cleared out of the locker room the way he'd cleared 102 yards last night. Quickly. He was there, and then he was gone. “Man, he hits the holes fast,” said right guard Mike Goff. “I'd hit the first person I saw and (he's) already right there next to me.”

Clearly, as backup to LaDainian Tomlinson, Sproles has just about the toughest route to an NFL starting spot. Still, he's been an absolute demon throughout camp, and last night he turned 13 carries into a 100-yard game. He had gains of 24, 20 and 16 yards, plus a 1-yard touchdown.

“Obviously, he's not as big as LT, but there's really not that much difference with (Sproles) in there,” Goff said. “It's just a testament to the depth we have at running back, to have a guy like Sproles come in and make LT-like plays. It's his time to shine and he's getting it done.”

Waiting game

One of the Chargers' biggest offensive threats came back into play last night, Vincent Jackson catching three passes for 84 yards, including a 59-yard gain in which he worked himself wide open and waited a long while for quarterback Philip Rivers to reach him with a pass.

“I'll shoot up a flare (next time),” joked Jackson.

Thank you

The most sustained and heartfelt ovation of the game actually was afforded at halftime, when 11 military personnel wounded and/or disfigured in either Iraq or Afghanistan were recognized by the crowd. Returning to the field from the locker room, Chargers players filed by the soldiers and Marines seated on the home-team bench and shook their hands.