Guyton's play on strong side

SAN JOSE, Calif. - Rookie inside linebacker Gary Guyton might have initially been a surprise contributor for the Patriots, but he's no longer a surprise to the coaching staff.

Signed as a free agent after he went undrafted, Guyton made the 53-man roster out of training camp and has played in each of the first four games. He's tied for the team lead with three special teams tackles, and saw his most extensive playing time last Sunday against the 49ers, playing 26 snaps as part of the dime package (six defensive backs) - an effort he called a "confidence builder."

Guyton, who turns 23 next month, has aced the test in one area that coach Bill Belichick values highly - consistency.

"Gary has been here every day, I don't think he has missed anything at all - not a practice, not a snap," Belichick said yesterday. "He works hard. He is a smart kid and he has some versatility. He keeps getting better every single day on special teams, on defense, in the passing game, and in the running game."

The 6-foot-3-inch, 242-pound Guyton is third on the depth chart at inside linebacker, primarily playing on the strong side of the formation (tight end side). That makes him the top backup to Tedy Bruschi, and he credits Bruschi and the other linebackers for helping him along.

Guyton also plays on the punt and kickoff coverage teams, and kickoff return team, which gives him a chance to showcase his speed, one of his best assets. Belichick cited Guyton's takedown of dangerous 49ers kick returner Allen Rossum in the fourth quarter last Sunday as a "real good tackle."

Belichick also pointed out that Guyton is a good tackler and "very instinctive" in the sense that he knows where the ball is on the field.

"He's one of those kids that works hard and keeps on getting better," Belichick said. "As long as he does that, I'm sure his playing time will increase and he will get more opportunities. He continues to take advantage of them."

Having a ball

As players prepared for yesterday's practice, several were seen kicking a soccer ball, which is something receivers Wes Welker and Randy Moss have introduced to their teammates. Welker feels it's helped with his footwork.

"I think it's something different for us to do, a nice little warm-up before practice to get our legs going," Welker said.

While the players seem to enjoy it, Belichick seems like a tougher sell. Proving he's more of a football guy than a futbol guy, Belichick joked that if he gets near the ball, he plans to "put it over the fence."

Familiar territory

For Deltha O'Neal, the Patriots practicing at San Jose State this week wasn't a road trip, it was a homecoming. O'Neal grew up in Milpitas, Calif., which is less than 7 miles from San Jose. O'Neal set a school rushing record at Milpitas High with 2,312 yards before going to the University of California.

"It's cool that I get a chance to come back and visit my high school and visit family and friends and just hang out with family across the Bay," said O'Neal. "I got a chance to meet up with my head coach in high school [Kelly King] Tuesday. It was kind of a neat experience."

Feeling better

Tight end David Thomas, who missed Thursday's practice with flu-like symptoms, was back on the field yesterday, and wasn't on the injury report . . . Running back LaMont Jordan (right calf) missed practice for the third straight day and is listed as doubtful for tomorrow's game against the Chargers . . . Reserve linebacker Eric Alexander (hamstring) and reserve receiver Kelley Washington (right ankle) are also doubtful, while cornerback Lewis Sanders (hamstring) is questionable . . . Chargers receiver Chris Chambers (ankle) and outside linebacker Jyles Tucker (hamstring) are doubtful, while cornerback Antonio Cromartie (hip), receiver Vincent Jackson (knee), fullback Mike Tolbert (ankle), and running back LaDainian Tomlinson (toe) are probable.

Christopher L. Gasper of the Globe staff contributed to this report.