The Chargers have revealed that Philip Rivers and Antonio Gates will not play in Friday night's preseason game against the Vikings.

Gates is healthy and Norv Turner wants to make sure the tight end remains so heading into the regular season.

Rivers will sit so that San Diego can get a good look at Charlie Whitehurst.

"Charlie is going to start, and I'm anxious to watch him in a starting role," Turner said. "It's something we may be in the position during the regular season that we have to do that, and it's a good experience for him."