CHARGERS NOTES: Sick Merriman feeling better
By MIKE SULLIVAN - Staff Writer | ∞
SAN DIEGO ---- Shawne Merriman looked happy Thursday evening. More important, he felt good.
The Pro Bowl linebacker was suffering from a nasty virus earlier this week and missed his third consecutive day of practices on Thursday. But the strep throat and heavy fever that disrupted his week are dissipating.
"I can breathe, and my throat is not swollen," Merriman said. "It was pretty bad, though."
Merriman also is dealing with a sore knee but was able to work out on the side Thursday afternoon. He said he doesn't yet know if he'll play in Saturday's preseason game against the St. Louis Rams.
"At least they haven't told me anything yet," Merriman said. "They like to make those game-time decisions."
Chargers coach Norv Turner was noncommittal regarding Merriman's availability.
"He's running around and had a good workout today so we'll see where he is this weekend," Turner said.
Gates antsy
Tight end Antonio Gates continues to rehabilitate the big toe he injured during last season's playoffs. He knows he needs to be pulled off the Physically Unable to Perform list before Aug. 30 to avoid missing the first six games of the regular season.
Gates needs to pass a physical to be pulled from the PUP list. He made it clear that he has no intention of still being on the list when the Chargers open the regular season against Carolina on Sept. 7.
"I refuse to be on that thing, man," Gates said. "I wouldn't imagine they would put me on it, based on the running I've been doing and the cutting I've been doing.
"I can feel some changes, but whether or not I can do it to the ability I need to (is the question). It looks OK, but the way it feels is the problem."
Hardwick in holding pattern
Center Nick Hardwick, also on the PUP list, is in the same situation as Gates after offseason foot surgery. Hardwick said he's making progress and "working toward the goal," but he's not willing to forecast when he'll be ready to return.
The Chargers are preparing to start the season with Jeremy Newberry and Cory Withrow as their centers, something that is difficult for Hardwick to watch.
"It's motivating," Hardwick said. "But with the situation I'm in, I just have to worry about my foot and keep making improvements. That's all I can do."
Et cetera
Chargers coach Norv Turner hasn't decided how long starting QB Philip Rivers or backups Billy Volek and Charlie Whitehurst will play Saturday against the St. Louis Rams. Turner said he'll make the decision on Saturday. "I do want to see Billy play a lot and see Charlie play a lot, so that will weigh into the decision," Turner said. ... CB Antonio Cromartie (ankle) missed practice for a second consecutive day. Other key players who didn't participate include DE Luis Castillo (back), OT Marcus McNeill (neck) and DT Jamal Williams (knees).
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Brian wrote on Aug 15, 2008 12:19 PM:Just FYI, strep throat is caused by streptococcal bacteria, not a virus. It can be successfully treated with antibiotics, whereas a virus cannot.
craig wrote on Aug 17, 2008 4:20 AM:I have Gates in my keeper league. I think I might let him go b/c of his foot. I don't want to run the risk of having a started on the PUP for six weeks. Any ideas?
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