San Diego's Marty Schottenheimer doesn't usually praise first-year starters during training camp.

The longtime coach didn't hesitate to heap a helping of compliments on new quarterback Philip Rivers.

"He might be a little bit ahead" of schedule, Schottenheimer said Wednesday. "He understands this offense completely and he understands how the pieces fit together. He has had a very good camp."

While Rivers has already earned the backing of his coach, New York Jets quarterback Chad Pennington is still competing for the starting job.

Pennington has outplayed his competition, but Jets coach Eric Mangini insists he has yet to make a decision on a starter.

Mangini said Wednesday he'll continue with the four-man rotation of Pennington, Patrick Ramsey, Brooks Bollinger and rookie Kellen Clemens during training camp, refuting a published report that Pennington had already won the job less than a week into practice.

"I can just tell you as the head coach of this football team what I told everyone in here is the same: The rotation will continue and there is no change on that situation," Mangini said.

"I have not made up my mind yet. As soon as I make up my mind and name a starter, I will definitely let you know."

While former Chargers starter Drew Brees had to look over his shoulder at Rivers the past two years, there is no one in Rivers' path. His backups are veteran A.J. Feeley and rookie Charlie Whitehurst, and neither has a shot at supplanting Rivers, the fourth overall pick of the 2004 draft.

But Rivers said that isn't a drawback, and he's playing as if his job is at stake.

"I think you compete every day with all the quarterbacks and at the same time you compete against yourself and compete against the defense," said Rivers, who has thrown 30 NFL passes. "I'm pushing myself and the coach is pushing me and the other quarterbacks. But I'm my own worst critic. I get after it pretty good."

Arizona right tackle Oliver Ross will miss at least three weeks, and possibly as many as 10, because of a right knee injury.Ross, an eight-year veteran, was injured during a blocking drill Wednesday morning during practice at Northern Arizona University.

The effects of his first concussion left Jeremy Shockey nauseous, sensitive to light, reduced his motor skills and made it difficult for him to sleep, the three-time Pro Bowl tight end said Wednesday."Don't get too close, I might get sick," a soft-spoken and rather subdued Shockey said. "I am feeling better, but I have headaches and I am pretty sensitive to light."The comments at lunch were Shockey's first to the media since he sustained what the Giants described as a mild concussion in a collision with safety Will Demps late in a workout on Monday night.