Ryan Leaf is recovering from brain surgery in California after doctors removed a benign tumor. Leaf, a quarterback drafted in 1998, is considered perhaps the biggest draft bust in NFL history. A statement from Leaf's publicist, Margo Myers, was released Tuesday. It said Leaf had been experiencing dizziness and blurred vision before seeing a doctor May 18. He had surgery a week later at Saint John's Health Center in Santa Monica, Calif.

Chargers tackle Marcus McNeill told Sirius XM NFL Radio on Monday that he underwent a minor surgical procedure on his knee in February, but has fully recovered. McNeill, who joined the radio program on Memorial Day to discuss his upbringing in a military family, signed a five-year contract extension with the Chargers last October. Because last season was uncapped, McNeill was a restricted free agent even though his original four-year contract expired after the 2009 campaign.

Qualcomm Stadium, the home field of the Chargers since 1967, needs $79.8 million in maintenance, repairs and improvements over the next seven years, according to a report obtained by The San Diego Union-Tribune. The two-part study, conducted for San Diego, says the city will continue to lose more than $10 million per year operating the stadium through 2020 regardless of whether the Chargers stay, move to a new site in San Diego or leave the county. Chargers spokesman Mark Fabiani believes the city has some tough decisions to make. "We believe we've presented some better alternatives," Fabiani said. "If people don't want to pursue those alternatives, then obviously the city has to make decisions about what to do with the building, and the decisions will only get more difficult as the building gets older.” The report concluded that the stadium needs repairs including $18 million in mechanical issues, $17 million in site repairs and $12 million in plumbing. A new video display board would come with a $9.6 million price tag.

Chargers linebacker Larry English revealed Friday that he needed a second surgery on the left foot injury that hampered him last season. "They put another screw in because something was off," English told the North County Times. "The doctors said it hadn't healed right or the foot was re-broken. Either way, we had to get it right during the offseason. It feels a lot better now and (I'm) optimistic about my foot's long-term health. Hopefully the second time's the charm." English, San Diego's first-round draft pick in 2009, played in all 16 games as a rookie, but he broke his foot during training camp last year.

The Rams are in need of a third-down back and Michael Lombardi of NFL.com writes that Darren Sproles would be perfect in such a role. "Sproles would be to the Rams what Danny Woodhead has been to the Patriots. He would allow Sam Bradford to have an effective check-down option, is a great screen runner, and his talents would force teams to defend the middle of the field, thus taking pressure off the outside receivers," Lombardi wrote.

Panthers wide receiver Steve Smith has addressed rumors that he wants to be traded. "First of all, have I demanded a trade? I have not demanded a trade," Smith told Pro Football Weekly. "What I have asked for is to be in a competitive situation. I sat down with [GM] Marty [Hurney] a lot of times prior to the lockout. I am respected as a veteran amongst the players as well as the front office. So there has been dialogue (about his future in Carolina) prior to the lockout."

Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers is waiting to hear when he can go back to work. "We don't know anything," Rivers told a crowd of the NFL lockout during a rare public appearance over the weekend. "I'm just waiting for them to tell us when to go back to work." In an interview before he went on stage outside the Cox Communications store in Santee, Rivers admitted that the work stoppage might get stranger as time goes on. "Now if this thing carries on to training camp, it'll be a little weird not having had the offseason but yet be that close to playing a game," he said.

If the Panthers are willing to trade disgruntled wide receiver Steve Smith, they'll likely ask for a second- or third-round pick in return. Carolina has said that they won't just give the veteran away, but he has reportedly cleaned out his locker.

Chargers linebacker Antwan Applewhite was arrested for investigation of DUI on Friday morning, according to police. Lt. Andra Brown says an officer working a DUI patrol pulled over Applewhite shortly before 2:30 a.m. in Pacific Beach. The team called his arrest "disappointing" and says it will let the legal process run its course.

Panthers wide receiver Steve Smith is believed to want out and reports indicate that he would like to be traded to the Raiders, Chargers or Ravens. San Diego's interest, according to people with knowledge of the situation, can be characterized as monitoring and wait-and-see. The Chargers used a similar approach with safety Bob Sanders in March, letting other teams court him before making him an offer. Teams are not allowed to conduct player business during the ongoing NFL lockout, but the Panthers were known to be shopping Smith prior to the league's shutdown on March 11.