Merriman heads list of surgeries

By: MIKE SULLIVAN - Staff Writer | Thursday, March 1, 2007 11:31 PM PST ∞

SAN DIEGO ---- On a day in which the Chargers announced the release of linebacker Steve Foley, safety Terrence Kiel and receiver Keenan McCardell and rewarded fullback Lorenzo Neal with a three-year contract extension, the club also disclosed that Pro Bowl players Shawne Merriman and Jamal Williams recently underwent offseason surgeries.

Merriman underwent surgery on his left shoulder, and the linebacker is expected to need two to three months to recover. Williams, a defensive tackle, underwent surgeries on his right shoulder and left knee. It could take Williams up to six weeks to recover from the shoulder surgery with the knee limiting him two to four weeks.

Six other players underwent surgeries with only offensive tackle Jeromey Clary (three to four months with a right shoulder injury) facing a longer recovery period than Merriman, the team's signature defensive player.

"It's minor; there's nothing to it," general manager A.J. Smith said on Thursday. "When you see weeks, you think it's nothing. When you see months, you go 'uh oh.' It's nothing. It's minor."

Merriman and Williams underwent their surgeries shortly after the Feb. 10 Pro Bowl. The other players who required surgery ---- the list includes safety Marlon McCree (sinus), offensive tackle Roman Oben (right knee) and linebacker Matt Wilhelm (left knee) ---- underwent their procedures shortly after the season-ending playoff loss to New England in mid-January.

Smith also reiterated that quarterback Philip Rivers' late-season foot injury rates as "no concern." The release of Foley and Kiel, both involved in multiple off-the-field incidents, came as no surprise.

Smith had previously expressed his embarrassment over the team's series of conduct issues and vowed to address the situation.

Foley missed the 2007 season due to injuries suffered when shot by off-duty Coronado police Officer Aaron Mansker in early September. Foley faces drunken-driving charges in connection with the incident.

Neither the Chargers nor Foley's agent, David Levine, would reveal whether the Chargers have tried to recover an $875,000 roster bonus paid to Foley last spring.

"I'm not commenting on that," Levine said. "We're focused on Steve continuing his rehab work in order for him to walk normally."

Kiel pleaded guilty last month to felony and misdemeanor charges of transporting and distributing codeine-based cough syrup, stemming from his arrest last September. Kiel won't be sentenced until August but could evade jail time as part of a plea bargain.

McCardell, 37, ranks ninth in NFL history with 861 receptions but slowed down last season, catching 36 passes for 437 yards without scoring a touchdown. He had just nine receptions in the second half of the season.

The Chargers also have no interest in resigning unrestricted free-agent linebacker Donnie Edwards, who turns 34 next month. Edwards had a career-best 170 tackles last season.

Neal, who turned 36 in December, is now the team's oldest player. The fullback, renowned for his blocking, is signed through 2010. The 2007 NFL season will be his 15th.

Neal's agent didn't return a call Thursday, but espn.com reported that the deal is worth $5.1 million, the highest package ever awarded a fullback.

"He's a great team leader and the lead blocker for a great running back," Smith said of Neal, who opens holes for NFL MVP LaDainian Tomlinson.

"He really helps the young guys. I'd hate to say he's going to retire here. He'd be mad at me. He may keep on going. We may do another contract beyond this. He's a guy that takes care of himself, which is why he's lasted so long."

The NFL free agency period began late Thursday night, and Smith said he spoke with left guard Kris Dielman earlier in the day. Dielman, an unrestricted free agent, is expected to command a salary package higher than the Chargers plan to pay.

"We're going to do everything we possibly can to keep him here," said Smith, saying the Chargers won't take it personally if Dielman departs. "Kris will do what's in the best interest of him and his family."

On Wednesday, the team guaranteed running back Michael Turner a $2.35 million salary by placing a tender on the restricted free agent that would allow the Chargers to receive two draft picks ---- a first-rounder and a third-rounder ---- if they don't match an offer sheet Turner receives from another club.

The Chargers chose not to tender tight end Ryan Krause, a restricted free agent who faces a DUI charge stemming from a January arrest. Smith said the team will pursue unrestricted free-agent linebackers Randall Godfrey and Carlos Polk and center Cory Withrow. Godfrey had considered retirement before recently deciding to continue his playing career.

Contact staff writer Mike Sullivan at (760) 739-6645 or msullivan@nctimes.com.

Spring cleaning for Chargers

A look at the Chargers' roster plans and offseason surgeries:

Staying onboard

FB Lorenzo Neal Signed 3-year extension through 2010

Chargers' free agents team will pursue

G Kris Dielman unrestricted free agent

ILB Randall Godfrey unrestricted free agent

OLB Carlos Polk unrestricted free agent

RB Michael Turner restricted free agent

C Cory Withrow unrestricted free agent

Key players not coming back

ILB Donnie Edwards unrestricted free agent

OLB Steve Foley released

SS Terrence Kiel released

WR Keenan McCardell released

Others not coming back

WR Az Hakim unrestricted free agent

T Leander Jordan unrestricted free agent

TE Ryan Krause restricted free agent

TE Aaron Shea released

Postseason surgeries

Pos. Player Injury Sidelined*

OLB Shawne Merriman left shoulder 2-3 months

DT Jamal Williams right shoulder 4-6 weeks

  left knee 2-4 weeks

S Marlon McCree sinus 2-3 weeks

T Roman Oben right knee 3-4 weeks

ILB Matt Wilhelm left knee 2-4 weeks

S Bhawoh Jue left knee 2-4 weeks

DE Derreck Robinson right foot 2-4 weeks

T Jeromey Clary right shoulder 3-4 months

* approximate projection by Chargers.

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