COSTA MESA >> After two days in pads, the Chargers throttled back and returned to a less physical, 90-minute practice Wednesday. Several veterans didn’t participate in the 11-on-11 portion of the practice, including wide receiver Keenan Allen, center Corey Linsley and linebackers Joey Bosa and Khalil Mack.

“By design,” Chargers coach Brandon Staley said.

After taking today off, the Chargers are scheduled to return to the practice field Friday and Saturday mornings before holding their first scrimmage of camp Sunday night at Jack Hammett Sports Complex. Their first exhibition game is Aug. 13 against the Super Bowl champion Rams at SoFi Stadium.

“It’s where it should be through seven practices,” Staley said of the Chargers’ intensity so far in camp. “You’ve got to build these guys up. You’ve got to build a foundation in pads. I felt like we had two really good days in pads. We had a really short practice, get an off day and then come back and have a lot of quality work, finishing with a scrimmage.

“That third day (Sunday), they’re really ready to compete and have a lot of plays and really build some wind. More drives. More substitutions and having to play longer. We’re in the process of building them up.”

There was one harrowing moment at the end of practice Wednesday, when safety Nasir Adderley collided with wide receiver Maurice Ffrench while making an interception along the sideline. Adderley stooped to snare Chase Daniel’s low throw, accidentally crashing into a diving Ffrench.

Trainers rushed to Ffench’s side immediately, but after a moment or two he was up and on his feet again. Adderley was unhurt, running the other direction with the ball.

“Maurice is OK,” Staley said. “It was guys competing. Probably a little bit too close. We’re thankful he’s OK. That’s the thing, we’ve got to learn how to practice with one another because everyone wants to make a good impression. You’ve got to keep everyone safe. That was one of those that was a close call.

“But he’s OK, and we’ll learn from that, for sure.”

Offensive appraisal

Last year, during his first camp as the Chargers’ coach, Staley recognized the potential of an offense led by quarterback Justin Herbert. This year, Staley has noticed a change for the better for the offensive unit, and that won’t bode well for opponents attempting to stop it in 2022.

“Much more confident than it was a year ago,” Staley said of the offensive unit overall. “They have a very good operation and chemistry. It starts up front with the confidence that group has while playing together. They’re playing physically up front. It’s a clean operation.

“They’re blocking good players (in practice), so I can really see how they’re playing together. The skill players … I think we’re able to call a much larger menu of plays for these guys. Justin’s improved so much, too. They’re a tough cover. I knew that last year in camp. Last year in camp, each and every day in camp, it was like, ‘This is a tough cover.’ Now they have a much firmer command of the system. Really excited where they are. They’ve got to continue to improve.”

James (non) update

Chargers safety Derwin James Jr. celebrated his 26th birthday by joining his teammates for the walk-through portion of their practice and then watching, cheering and coaching from the sidelines.

Day 7 of camp was very much like Day 1 for James, who is awaiting a contract extension.

James won’t practice with his teammates until a deal is done.

“No update yet on Derwin, other than happy birthday, Derwin,” Staley said.

Expectations for Murray

Linebacker Kenneth Murray Jr. continues his stay on the physically unable to perform list, but Staley said he expected Murray would be able to participate at some point before camp ends next month. Staley said Murray was improving from an ankle injury, but “we’re not close yet.”