The first of three offensive starters is off the physically unable to perform list. Fullback Andrew Pinnock participated in individual drills yesterday before finishing practice with a large ice pack on his left knee.

“It felt better than I thought it would,” said Pinnock, who had microfracture surgery in February. “The big question is how the knee will respond in the morning. I feel like it will be fine.”

Pinnock hopes to work in team drills tonight and play in the third exhibition game, Aug. 25.

Tight end Antonio Gates and center Nick Hardwick are still on the PUP list. Hardwick appears likely to remain sidelined into the season, though it is not known whether he will be on the PUP list come September.

Fan behavior policy

The NFL yesterday released a league-wide code of conduct for fans.

The code reads, in part: “When attending a game, you are required to refrain from the following behaviors: behavior that is unruly, disruptive, or illegal in nature; intoxication or other signs of alcohol impairment that results in irresponsible behavior; foul or abusive language or obscene gestures; interference with the progress of the game (including throwing objects onto the field); failing to follow instructions of stadium personnel; verbal or physical harassment of opposing team fans.”

The code stipulates that “Event patrons and guests who violate these provisions will be subject to ejection without refund and loss of ticket privileges for future games.”

Big Hart

Clinton Hart is swollen. He just keeps getting bigger, all while losing body fat.

While much of the focus is on his ability to play the pass, Hart's position requires him to play the run as well. So, to be as physical as possible in his second season as the Chargers' starting strong safety, Hart has gained almost 10 pounds and wants to gain about five more.

“It's for longevity,” Hart said. “I'm down in the box a lot.”

Hart is up to 212 pounds after playing at around 203 last season. He wants to get to around 218.

Nuts 'n' Bolts

The Chargers got what appears to be another break yesterday when the NFL suspended Broncos receiver Brandon Marshall for three games. That means Marshall (who led Denver with 102 catches for 1,325 yards in 2007) will miss the teams' Sept. 14 game. The Chargers last week learned that Carolina's Steve Smith (the Panthers' top receiver with 87 receptions and 1,002 yards in '07) will miss their Sept. 7 game after being suspended for two games.

Vincent Jackson (hamstring) missed his seventh straight practice and will not play Saturday against the Cowboys. Scott Chandler (back) missed his second straight practice. Jeremy Newberry (knees) also sat out, and Igor Olshansky rested.

The Chargers hold an open practice tonight at 7 following an autograph session at 6:30.

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Kevin Acee: (619) 293-1857; kevin.acee@uniontrib.com