CHARGERS NOTES: Meriman has ligament issues
By MIKE SULLIVAN Staff Writer | ∞
SAN DIEGO ---- Chargers linebacker Shawne Merriman said Thursday that he has ligament damage in his left knee and is evaluating his options.
"(It's) a loose ligament and (I'm) waiting to get more info on what I need to do," Merriman said via e-mail.
Merriman was examined by Dr. James Andrews, the renowned surgeon based in Birmingham, Ala. Merriman has been having persistent knee pain throughout training camp and hasn't practiced since playing in the preseason opener against Dallas on August 9.
Chargers coach Norv Turner said after Thursday's practice that he didn't want to speculate on how long Merriman might have to deal with knee pain. Turner expects Merriman to return to Chargers Park at some point on Friday.
Turner remains hopeful that Merriman will be on the field when the Chargers open the season against the Carolina Panthers on Sept. 7.
"I think he can be close to 100 percent and get back with some real good rehab work," Turner said. "He's been doing a great job with it and I think he just needs some more time right now."
Safety Clinton Hart expects to see Merriman run on the field with the starters at Qualcomm Stadium when the season begins.
"I know Shawne is going to do his best to get back because he's a competitor," Hart said. "If he can play, he's going to go."
Upshaw reaction
The news that NFL Players Association executive director Gene Upshaw passed away Thursday morning was a stunning development to Hart, who learned of Upshaw's death via a text message from his agent.
"I kind of looked at the text and said, 'Wait a minute, this must be wrong,'" Hart said. "We all have to go, but when it happens unexpectedly, it's very tragic. He has played a big role in what has gone on in the NFL and our hearts go out to him and his family."
Chargers president Dean Spanos said in a statement that Upshaw's death was "disheartening news" for he and his family.
"Everyone associated with the NFL today owes a debt of gratitude to Gene Upshaw," Spanos said.
Et cetera
OT Marcus McNeill (neck stinger) continues to miss practice sessions. McNeill hasn't practiced since undergoing an MRI exam on August 6. "I believe we're doing everything that we can do so he will be ready to go," Chargers coach Norv Turner said. "Obviously, there are concerns and worries or he would be out here practicing. I believe it's one of those things where he's making progress." ... WR Vincent Jackson (hamstring) returned to practice and TE Antonio Gates (toe) participated in team drills for the first time. "I felt rusty," said Gates, "but for the most part I was excited to be out there with my teammates." ... Thursday's final day of training camp was supposed to be a two-practice day, but the morning practice was canceled when Turner surprised the players with an early-morning announcement that the team was going to spend the morning at a water park in Chula Vista. "I thought it was a great break for our guys," Turner said. "The roar that came out of the meeting room when I said those two words ---- water park ---- was pretty loud."
More Stories
joey wrote on Aug 22, 2008 7:23 AM:Why does it take 6 months to figure out he has a "loose ligament" so close to the regular season? You would think that would be detected months ago.
flashsd wrote on Aug 22, 2008 7:31 AM:I hope Merriman is able to play effectively at some point this year but, looking ahead, he will be the odd man out after the '09 season. The Chargers have too many other franchise players at key positions (QB, LT, CB) who are bigger priorities. Plus, Merriman has underperformed in playoff games, is a lightening rod for criticism directed at the team, has a difficult agent (Condon), is showing signs of being "injury prone", and has too many off-field distractions. The Chargers were 4-0 during his suspension and that was before Jyles Tucker came along.
With that in mind, I would not be surprised to see AJ make some moves to bolster next year's draft to replace Merriman, Jamal, & Goff. He already has several compensatory picks (Turner/Florence) and may package something to obtain multiple 2nd & 3rd round picks.
Kentera wrote on Aug 22, 2008 10:41 AM:Sorry Charger fan's, your window has closed. You have talked for two years how you are the most talented team in the NFL. Well, talented teams win Championships. You have not and the injury bug has arrived. Merriman is gone for the season. Now of course the fans will come out and say "we don't need Merriman". Fact is: You do need Merriman! He is the reason the defense was good. His pass rush made your coverage better and made Phillips better because they were double teaming him. Without him, you are an average defense and team. It funny how you bring up AJ, isn't he the one that picked Rivers over Rothlisberger and Eli Manning in the draft? Which one of these three quarterbacks does not have a Super Bowl ring? So much for being a genius!
James wrote on Aug 22, 2008 1:35 PM:Kentera
The last super bowl, Eli did his job, nothing special and the REAL MVP(s) were the pass rushers. The Chargers are still a top 5 team in the NFL and history shows anything can happen. So if you think the window has closed for the Chargers, that really reflects how shallow-minded you are.
Kentera wrote on Aug 22, 2008 2:10 PM:James
It may be shallow-minded, but at least I'm not closed-minded. Good luck this year, but I'm telling you, you are in for a long season.
Sean C. wrote on Aug 22, 2008 5:48 PM:Kentera, man up & state your NFL allegiance! Our Defense will be excellent with or with out Merriman I hope it is with him. Put a kne brace on, limit practice & get on the field. Kentera you may change your name but we know you`re that same S-disturber from last year.
Kentera wrote on Aug 22, 2008 9:15 PM:Sean,
What???????
ThrillDeath wrote on Aug 22, 2008 9:29 PM:Its Shawne, check your spelling putz.
We have plenty of pass rushing LB's so please go find something else to harp about.
RAIDERMANN Carlsbad wrote on Aug 24, 2008 3:46 PM:We'll I see thiers others
out there that see the that the black hole has closed it's eye too the S.D.super chokers! You guys way too many things wrong, 1st Norv Turner, HGH merrimann, LT's crying on the sidelines while his QB who had "TWO" messed up knees, Played the whole game!!! there's only 1 LT (Lawarence Taylor). That LT is a Man.you got that other baby crying about his turf toe hurts. The Super Chokers will be lucky if they 6-10 this year. Now for better things the RAIDERS Will be 11-5 & whip the Chokers both games. And like always there will be more RAIDERS FANS then Chokers fans, like all their home games. Too many wal-mart jersey wearing bandwagon fans in S.D.
Kentera wrote on Aug 25, 2008 2:16 PM:ThrillDeath Choker,
What are you talking about now? Sean was a reference to the blogger(Sean C.) above. Typical Charger Fan, shooting off your mouth without knowing what you are talking about. Have a good 6-10 year.
Sean C. wrote on Aug 26, 2008 10:00 AM:Kentera, could it be you`re ashamed to admit that you`re a Raider bottem dweller ??? Chargers will win 12 games with 2 of those Vs coming from the 10th & 11th in a row Versus the Raiders LOL
Kentera wrote on Aug 26, 2008 10:29 AM:Sean,
Actually a Steeler fan.
RAIDERMANN wrote on Aug 26, 2008 11:03 PM:SEAN C.,You and all your super choker fans say the same stupid thing. "WE BEAT THE RAIDERS 8 TIMES IN A ROW" WOW! IF THAT WAS THE OBJECTIVE OF THE SPORT.I uess it feels good to have some sort of highlights dvd, Since your S.D. Super chokers don't have in SUPER BOWL DVD THATS WORTH WATCHING!. Oh! i love watching that 1994 super bowl when the CHOKERS DID'NT CHOKE THEY JUST GOT WHIPPED !!! So go break out tour powder puff blue wal-mart jersey and sit in the back, because thats where the CHOKERS will be this year. 6-10
Sean C. wrote on Aug 27, 2008 9:58 AM:Raidermann don`t sell us short we have beaten the Faiders 9 times straight. At least w have a chance of winning it all his year & since you are in our division that leaves the Raiders with NO chance. Kentera you`re not related to radio 1090 John Kentera are you ? November 16 in your house Too bad we can`t wager on it.
First name only. Comments including last names, contact addresses, e-mail addresses or phone numbers will be deleted. Attempts to misrepresent your identity or impersonate any person will not be approved. All comments are screened before they appear online, so please keep them brief. Comments reflect the views of those commenting and not necessarily those of the North County Times or its staff writers. Click here to view additional comment policies.
Advertisement