The Facts: Following up on the ongoing story. ... The first Chargers preseason game has added significance this month. One way or another, it'll bring clarity to Rivers' contract situation. The Chargers will host the Cowboys on Aug. 13. If the quarterback and team have not agreed to an extension by then, they aren't expected to this year, sources said Sunday.

Diehards Line: According to SDUT's Michael Gehlkin, negotiations between the two sides are considered amicable. There is thought to be a general understanding that talks will be revisited in 2016 if no deal is completed soon. Rivers is entering the final year of his contract. His preference is for discussions not to linger much further toward the season. In camp, Rivers seems unaffected by the uncertainty. The 33-year-old is off to another productive one, building a rapport with new wide receiver Stevie Johnson. He also is working closely with rookie running back Melvin Gordon, among other Chargers newcomers, to gain chemistry. His work ethic and attention to the detail were a constant even in the spring, as Rivers scheduled throwing sessions with receivers while others speculated about his future.