No decision yet on Merriman's appealing dilemma; Linebacker may decide to expedite suspension as soon as today

By: JAY PARIS - Staff Writer | Tuesday, October 31, 2006 12:07 AM PST ∞

SAN DIEGO -- Linebacker Shawne Merriman didn't practice Monday, but it wasn't because of a suspension.

Merriman, who is facing a four-game hiatus for steroids use, didn't work because of a sore heel.

"My heel is hurt so bad I think I will be out three-to-four weeks,'' Merriman said with a series of winks.

It's no joke that at some point Merriman will likely be lost for a month of games. Merriman tested positive for the steroid nandrolone, a substance banned by the NFL.

When word initially broke last week about Merriman's transgression, he was adamant about appealing the result which brings a four-game suspension. It's believed Merriman, who is tied for the NFL sack lead at 8 1/2, was to meet with NFL officials the first week in November.

"I don't know what is going to happen yet and someone has already said I'm thinking about dropping the appeal and what not,'' said Merriman, who tied a career-high with three sacks in Sunday's win over the Rams. "But I still have to find out what is going on myself.''

If Merriman starts his suspension immediately, he would miss games against the Browns, Bengals, Broncos and Oakland. If following through with his appeal, it's possible he could miss two Denver games, plus Oakland and Buffalo.

Merriman was contradictory about whether the schedule would play into his decision.

"I don't think so because every game is just as important to me,'' he said.

"But at the same time when you do have conference games coming up, which are very important, you always have to factor that into everything.

"I'm just waiting to see what happens. Like I said before whatever decision I make will be the best for the team and myself and will be the best decision possible.''

Merriman said he will confer with his attorney, David Cornwell, and possibly reach a decision by today. Cornwell wasn't available for comment.

"It's my decision, but I have people that give me advice,'' he said. "That is the reason I hired them, to give me advice so whatever decision I make will be a decision made by me, my attorney, my team and the people around me.

"I just want to stay on the field, that is all I'm considering right now. Obviously I want to be back as soon as possible, if anything is going too happen at all. But assuming something might happen, I have to do what's best to get back on the field as soon as possible.''

Coach Marty Schottenheimer said he is preparing for Sunday's game against Cleveland as if his Pro Bowl linebacker will be available.

"Until someone tells me otherwise,'' Schottenheimer said.

Merriman has been eager to tell his side of the story, and said he would feel cheated if not getting the chance.

"Yeah, I would feel like that,'' he said. "I didn't get a chance to finish out the process that I was trying to achieve, of course. But at the same time it's not about me proving a point or proving anything anymore. It's about me playing football.''

CHARGERS NOTES: DE Igor Olshansky (knee) and OLB Shaun Phillips (calf) will likely be listed as doubtful for Sunday's game against the Browns when the injury list comes out Wednesday. OLB Shawne Merriman said his heel injury isn't serious. "My heel is fine,'' he said. "I'm just trying to stay off it a little bit today.''Ý ... After the Rams piled up 412 yards, the Chargers no longer can claim being the No. 1 defense; that distinction belongs the Chicago Bears. The Chargers are No. 2. ... P Mike Scifres continues to have the league's best net average at 43 yards. ... RB LaDainian Tomlinson, who spoke to the media Monday while wearing a gorilla mask, is but 14 yards behind league-leader Larry Johnson for most yards from scrimmage with 959. ... QB Philip Rivers has the highest fourth-quarter rating at 126.8 and is second on third downs at 109.4. ... About 1,200 tickets need to be sold by Thursday afternoon to lift the local TV blackout of Sunday's game.

-- Contact staff writer Jay Paris at jparis8@aol.com.