SAN DIEGO -- Chargers center Nick Hardwick returned to the practice field for the first time since injuring his left ankle during the season opener.
Hardwick practiced Wednesday, although he most likely won't play in Sunday's home game against the Oakland Raiders.
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Hardwick, who was wearing a brace on his ankle, was limited to individual work during the practice session, and he said he's still a few weeks away from playing.
Hardwick was hurt during the season opener at Oakland and had surgery. The Chargers said then that they expected him to be out eight weeks.
"It felt good to get back in costume, but we don't know how close or far away I actually am," Hardwick said. "It'll depend on how it feels tomorrow. We'll stress it again and make another evaluation. It's a process."
Chargers coach Norv Turner said there's no timetable on Hardwick's return.
"It's another step closer to where he wants to be," Turner said.
Outside linebacker Shawne Merriman was limited in practice with a foot injury. Inside linebacker Kevin Burnett (ankle) and nose tackle Ogemdi Nwagbuo (ankle) missed practice.
Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press
