Jason Verrett ‘outstanding’ in practice

Jason Verrett wore a distinct jersey in practice this month.

He’s stood out for more important reasons.

The Chargers first-round cornerback practiced Monday morning without his usual red jersey. He’s been cleared to wear the standard blue, as he appears close to making his NFL debut. It will come either Sunday versus the 49ers or the final exhibition game, Aug. 28 against the Cardinals.

Coach Mike McCoy has said the red jersey was meant to remind Verrett to limit his contact. Verrett had shoulder surgery in March and began wearing it Aug. 1.

It remains difficult to miss the 23-year-old in practice.

He’s looked “outstanding,” McCoy said Monday.

“There is a reason why we took him where we picked him,” McCoy said. “You can see the talent that he has out here. Now, it’s a matter of going into a game and playing full speed and making the checks, understanding what certain calls mean on the run. The next time he gets out there, it’s going to be full speed. When you play in the game for the first time, it’s a matter of executing out there like the way you do out here on the practice field but when it counts for real.”

Should he make his NFL debut Sunday, he’ll do so close to home.

Verrett grew up in Fairfield, about 75 miles north of Levi’s Stadium. He also grayshirted and played his freshman season at nearby Santa Rosa Junior College before transferring to TCU. There also is value in playing a road game.

The Chargers open their season Sept. 8 in Arizona.

Inside linebacker Manti Te’o (foot sprain) did not practice Monday.

Neither did wide receiver Vincent Brown (groin), nose tackle Sean Lissemore (ankle), safety Jahleel Addae (hamstring), cornerback Marcus Cromartie (groin), defensive end Lawrence Guy (shoulder), center Nick Hardwick and running back Kerwynn Williams.

Brown has missed the most time of the group. He was injured July 25, the second day of training camp.

Guard Jeromey Clary (hip) remains on the Physically Unable to Perform list.