SAN DIEGO >> Chargers rookie linebacker Manti Te’o continues to wear a walking boot to protect his sprained right foot.

The Laie native doesn’t know when he’ll return to practice.

“Everything is just precautionary so I don’t take any steps backward,” Te’o said. “I’ve lost a lot of physical time, but mentally I’m in it. When I get back out there, I’ll be able to run around and just get out there.”

Said coach Mike McCoy: “We’re trying to do everything we can to make sure it’s not just for tomorrow, it’s for the future.”

The Chargers play their preseason finale Thursday night at home against San Francisco.