The Facts: Following up on the ongoing story. ... Brown's participation level has risen steadily during the Chargers' organized team activities. In the third week, it reached a new height. The wide receiver mixed in with the starters Monday for the first time this offseason, rotating with Malcom Floyd opposite Danario Alexander.

Diehards Line: While too much can be made about a player's June practice reps, Union-Tribune staffer Michael Gehlken continues to report that Brown is expected to see a pronounced role in his third season. That role would have come in 2012 if not for an August broken ankle. The former third-round pick out of San Diego State missed the entire year with the preseason injury, but he is fully recovered now. New HC Mike McCoy said he anticipates Brown will "without a doubt" be a big part of the team's offense. Monday marked the latest positive step without a setback. In April, Brown spent portions of the Chargers' voluntary minicamp working to the side while teammates worked through drills. In May, he saw little team action at the start of OTAs, intermittently taken third- or second-team reps. Come September, the hope is for the 24-year-old to be a key part of a deeper wide receiver corps. According to Gehlken, Floyd and Alexander figure to be active this season while a now-healthy Eddie Royal has been working as the Chargers' top slot option. Robert Meachem and third-round pick Keenan Allen also are in the picture, and kick returner Richard Goodman is among a group pushing for a roster spot.