Jason Verrett sheds red jersey

Chargers Jason Verrett runs a drill during practice.

Jason Verrett made a wardrobe change Monday.

It was a necessary precursor for his preseason debut.

The Chargers first-round cornerback practiced Monday without his usual red jersey. He was cleared to wear the standard blue, signaling he is close to making his first NFL appearance. It will come either Sunday versus the 49ers or the final exhibition game, Aug. 28 against the Cardinals.

A red jersey is used to indicate a limitation from contact.

Verrett, who had shoulder surgery in March, began wearing it Aug. 1.

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

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), defensive end Damik Scafe, 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.

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Jason Verrett sheds red jersey