Lights back on for Bolts defense: Merriman returns to team after 4-game ban

By: JAY PARIS - Staff Writer | Monday, November 27, 2006 11:25 PM PST ∞

SAN DIEGO -- The Chargers got a surge from guy named "Lights Out.'' Linebacker Shawne Merriman returned to the facility Monday morning after serving his four-game suspension for steroids use.

Merriman, the NFL's defensive rookie of the year in 2005, was upbeat, looked relaxed and didn't shy from where he thinks the first-place Chargers are headed.

"I said that we are going all the way,'' Merriman said, "we are going to the Super Bowl.''

Those aspirations appeared to take a hit when Merriman was penalized. But the Chargers went 4-0 in Merriman's absence and head to Buffalo for Sunday's game with their best defender.

"I don't think I will be rusty at all,'' said Merriman, whose 8 1/2 sacks are second among Chargers to Shaun Phillips (9 1/2).

Merriman will be bent on proving all the whispers about his production being fueled by illegal drugs are false. Merriman, who claims to have unknowingly ingested a tainted nutritional supplement, has a renewed appreciation for the game of football.

"I always feel that I have 100 percent love for the game,'' Merriman said. "But when you are taken away from it, you are that much more hungrier and it's hard to believe. I have more hunger than I did before because when they take away the game from you, you really understand what the game is about.

"It's a hard lesson to learn, no doubt about it. I took it on the chin, that's what I did, take it on the chin.''

He'll lose some $73,000 in base salary and his reputation absorbed a wallop, too. But Merriman is eager to put his dirty test behind him and return to doing what he does best.

"I was brought in to be a game-changer,'' Merriman said. "I make big plays and that's why I was brought here and I've been doing it ever since I've been in the NFL.

"With (me) being out, you lose a game-changer and that's going to affect anybody in the NFL once you lose a guy like that.''

Merriman said his contributions aren't restricted to between the sidelines.

"I think the guys enjoyed having me around and what I bring to the team and me putting it on the table each and every week,'' Merriman said.

Those teammates had a needle pointed toward Merriman his first day back. They razed him about his clothes and a haircut which included having the words "Lights Out" shaved into his mane.

"We've already been teasing him a little bit,'' LaDainian Tomlinson said. "He wore a tight shirt this morning and we were messing with him about the haircut he had. He looks like he's been on vacation.

"I think he looks fresh to me, just by looking at him. He's going to be refreshed that is for sure. He will be fresh and ready to go and I'm sure his mindset will be that he will be trying to make up for lost time, especially this week.''

Added Schottenheimer: "I think that he will be ready to step in and go. I'm sure he is going to have to harness some of his energy because he is excited about being back. I know he has been working out, but that is not like being out on the practice field.

"From the standpoint of hitting and everything, it could be a little difficult. I would think he would meet each milestone pretty quickly and be able to get back into the flow.''

Merriman acknowledged being in shape and being in football shape are different things.

But he also didn't expect his adjustment to take long.

"I've been working out, doing my boxing, staying in shape,'' Merriman said. "But nothing can emulate the football work ethic that you have to have.''

Merriman revealed nothing about which supplement he took which prompted the positive test. He also didn't appear ready to follow-up an earlier claim that he would file suit against the guilty manufacturer.

Instead, his thoughts were on football and helping push the Chargers (9-2) to their second playoff appearance since 1995.

What could derail the Chargers express?

"Looking too far ahead,'' Merriman said. "I think that can destroy any team, especially a team as talented as us. If you look far ahead and try to say we are going to the Super Bowl without thinking about the Buffalo Bills, you are going to get beat.''

CHARGERS NOTES

Schottenheimer didn't sound confident about DT Luis Castillo (ankle) returning this week. Castillo has missed the last three games. ... Schottenheimer was optimistic about the availability of FS Marlon McCree (calf), WR Keenan McCardell (calf) and LG Kris Dielman (ankle). ... Schottenheimer said if Michael Turner (hamstring) is healthy, he will retain his role as kick-returner, despite his Sunday replacement, Antonio Cromartie, bringing one back 91 yards.

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

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