“It felt good,” Hester said. “The first (touchdown) felt good because the (first team) was in there against their (first-
team).
Full Story
team).
Full Story
But a strained calf interrupted his opening month, forcing him to miss nearly three games — the Chargers went
0-3.
"With my injury and the team being down, I was down," Wilhelm said. "I felt I could help but I couldn't come back.
That wasn't fun."
The good times were to come — save that bruising afternoon in Minnesota when Adrian Peterson set the NFL
rushing record.
"After that hiccup in Minnesota, from there on we were on a roll, myself included," the 6-foot-4, 245-pound
Wilhelm said. "We started to zone in and understand each other as a defense and that was what gave us great
success."
Full Story
0-3.
"With my injury and the team being down, I was down," Wilhelm said. "I felt I could help but I couldn't come back.
That wasn't fun."
The good times were to come — save that bruising afternoon in Minnesota when Adrian Peterson set the NFL
rushing record.
"After that hiccup in Minnesota, from there on we were on a roll, myself included," the 6-foot-4, 245-pound
Wilhelm said. "We started to zone in and understand each other as a defense and that was what gave us great
success."
Full Story
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Associated Press
08/14/08
San Diego Chargers linebacker Shawne Merriman
missed practice Thursday for the third consecutive day
because of a virus, and his availability for the
preseason game Saturday against the St. Louis
Rams is in question.
Merriman said he had strep throat and a heavy fever.
He had trouble breathing while battling the illness but
said he was feeling much better Thursday.
08/14/08
San Diego Chargers linebacker Shawne Merriman
missed practice Thursday for the third consecutive day
because of a virus, and his availability for the
preseason game Saturday against the St. Louis
Rams is in question.
Merriman said he had strep throat and a heavy fever.
He had trouble breathing while battling the illness but
said he was feeling much better Thursday.
Associated Press
08/17/08
The St. Louis Rams’ first-team offense has yet to
score a preseason touchdown in three years under
coach Scott Linehan.
The San Diego Chargers kept them off the board
again, although Linehan was more than satisfied,
given how tough wins have been to come by. A third-
quarter 3-yard run by Travis Minor with all backups on
the field was the difference in a 7-6 victory Saturday
night.
08/17/08
The St. Louis Rams’ first-team offense has yet to
score a preseason touchdown in three years under
coach Scott Linehan.
The San Diego Chargers kept them off the board
again, although Linehan was more than satisfied,
given how tough wins have been to come by. A third-
quarter 3-yard run by Travis Minor with all backups on
the field was the difference in a 7-6 victory Saturday
night.
ESPN.com
08/19/08
LaDainian Tomlinson is having his typical training
camp, working hard during practice and sitting out
preseason games.
The San Diego Chargers' star running back didn't take
a snap in Saturday's loss to the St. Louis Rams and
isn't expected to play in the final two contests.
08/19/08
LaDainian Tomlinson is having his typical training
camp, working hard during practice and sitting out
preseason games.
The San Diego Chargers' star running back didn't take
a snap in Saturday's loss to the St. Louis Rams and
isn't expected to play in the final two contests.
Chargers fullback Michael Tolbert, an undrafted
rookie, is opening some camp eyes by displaying his
two biggest attributes.
“Heart and desire,” Tolbert said on how he’ll be a
Charger come opening day. “If you tell me I can’t do
something, that just pushes me harder because it
comes from deep down. I can make those
nonbelievers, believers by being the best back on and
off the field.”
rookie, is opening some camp eyes by displaying his
two biggest attributes.
“Heart and desire,” Tolbert said on how he’ll be a
Charger come opening day. “If you tell me I can’t do
something, that just pushes me harder because it
comes from deep down. I can make those
nonbelievers, believers by being the best back on and
off the field.”
Inside Slant
08/19/08
TE Antonio Gates continues to push his mending toe
as the season opener gets closer. He's yet to take part
in a team practice, but has worked three times on the
side. He is still experiencing discomfort, but that
seems to be diminishing. 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,"
08/19/08
TE Antonio Gates continues to push his mending toe
as the season opener gets closer. He's yet to take part
in a team practice, but has worked three times on the
side. He is still experiencing discomfort, but that
seems to be diminishing. 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,"
08/20/08
Jacob Hester has proven to be exactly as advertised
during Chargers training camp: Tough, durable and a
true gamer.
The third-round draft pick in April’s draft will never pack
the flash and dash of starting running back LaDainian
Tomlinson but he certainly isn’t shy about supplying
lumber and thunder.
“He’s that type of player,” quarterback Philip Rivers
gushes. “‘Let me run into somebody and run tough.”’
Hester has led the Chargers in rushing in both of their
preseason contests. He had 49 yards and two
touchdowns on 13 carries in the opener against Dallas
and followed that up with 59 yards on 12 rushes in last
Saturday’s loss at St. Louis.
Jacob Hester has proven to be exactly as advertised
during Chargers training camp: Tough, durable and a
true gamer.
The third-round draft pick in April’s draft will never pack
the flash and dash of starting running back LaDainian
Tomlinson but he certainly isn’t shy about supplying
lumber and thunder.
“He’s that type of player,” quarterback Philip Rivers
gushes. “‘Let me run into somebody and run tough.”’
Hester has led the Chargers in rushing in both of their
preseason contests. He had 49 yards and two
touchdowns on 13 carries in the opener against Dallas
and followed that up with 59 yards on 12 rushes in last
Saturday’s loss at St. Louis.
YahooSports.com
08/19/08
The San Diego Chargers Pro Bowl tight end Antonio
Gates returned to practice Tuesday after he was taken off
the physically unable to perform list.
Gates passed his physical Tuesday and took part in
some of the team’s individual drills.
“He looked good,” Chargers coach Norv Turner said.. “He’
s making progress.”
08/19/08
The San Diego Chargers Pro Bowl tight end Antonio
Gates returned to practice Tuesday after he was taken off
the physically unable to perform list.
Gates passed his physical Tuesday and took part in
some of the team’s individual drills.
“He looked good,” Chargers coach Norv Turner said.. “He’
s making progress.”
Associated Press
08/20/08
Chargers linebacker Shawne Merriman had his
knee examined Wednesday in Alabama after
lingering soreness kept him out of practice for more
than a week.
damage five months ago but has had persistent
pain in the knee during training camp. He traveled
to Birmingham to have the knee looked at by Dr.
James Andrews, the surgeon who performed the
operation.
"I think he wants to make sure he gets it checked
out and make sure everything is all right with it,"
San Diego coach Norv Turner said after
Wednesday's practice. "When he's been able to to
me."
Full Story
08/20/08
Chargers linebacker Shawne Merriman had his
knee examined Wednesday in Alabama after
lingering soreness kept him out of practice for more
than a week.
damage five months ago but has had persistent
pain in the knee during training camp. He traveled
to Birmingham to have the knee looked at by Dr.
James Andrews, the surgeon who performed the
operation.
"I think he wants to make sure he gets it checked
out and make sure everything is all right with it,"
San Diego coach Norv Turner said after
Wednesday's practice. "When he's been able to to
me."
Full Story
NFL.com
08/21/08
LaDanian Tomlinson talks about Chargers playoff run
in '07 and his expectations for '08.
Watch Video
08/21/08
LaDanian Tomlinson talks about Chargers playoff run
in '07 and his expectations for '08.
Watch Video
Associated Press
08/22/08
Chargers coach Norv Turner is more concerned with
having linebacker Shawne Merriman on the field for
the playoffs than next month’s regular-season opener.
Merriman, a three-time Pro Bowler, felt pain in his
knee after playing in San Diego’s preseason game on
Aug. 9. On Thursday, Merriman said he has a torn
posterior cruciate ligament in the knee. He has visited
noted sports surgeon Dr. James Andrews and may
see two other doctors to weigh his options.
If the ligament is severely torn, he’ll undergo season-
ending knee surgery. If the tear isn’t significant,
Merriman could play through the pain and be ready for
Week 1 against the Carolina Panthers on Sept. 7.
08/22/08
Chargers coach Norv Turner is more concerned with
having linebacker Shawne Merriman on the field for
the playoffs than next month’s regular-season opener.
Merriman, a three-time Pro Bowler, felt pain in his
knee after playing in San Diego’s preseason game on
Aug. 9. On Thursday, Merriman said he has a torn
posterior cruciate ligament in the knee. He has visited
noted sports surgeon Dr. James Andrews and may
see two other doctors to weigh his options.
If the ligament is severely torn, he’ll undergo season-
ending knee surgery. If the tear isn’t significant,
Merriman could play through the pain and be ready for
Week 1 against the Carolina Panthers on Sept. 7.
“If a guy has a setback and it keeps him out of it for a week or two … I don’t know that anyone will remember that
San Diego would turn to Jyles Tucker if Merriman can’t play, but Turner called that idea “way, way, way, way
premature.”
“We are going to do everything we can to create a situation where (Merriman) is not in pain and the leg gets
some strength back,” Turner said.
Merriman, who had offseason arthroscopic surgery on the same knee, was unavailable for comment Friday.
Chargers general manager A. J. Smith did not immediately return a phone call.
San Diego would turn to Jyles Tucker if Merriman can’t play, but Turner called that idea “way, way, way, way
premature.”
“We are going to do everything we can to create a situation where (Merriman) is not in pain and the leg gets
some strength back,” Turner said.
Merriman, who had offseason arthroscopic surgery on the same knee, was unavailable for comment Friday.
Chargers general manager A. J. Smith did not immediately return a phone call.
08/22/08
Associated Press
missed more than a week of practice because of a
sore left knee, said he has ligament damage and is
evaluating his options, including the possibility of
undergoing season-ending reconstructive surgery.
The trouble is "a loose ligament and (I'm) waiting to
get more info on what I need to do," Merriman said in
an e-mail to the North County Times on Thursday
night.
Merriman told the San Diego Union Tribune he has a
torn posterior cruciate ligament in his left knee.
Associated Press
missed more than a week of practice because of a
sore left knee, said he has ligament damage and is
evaluating his options, including the possibility of
undergoing season-ending reconstructive surgery.
The trouble is "a loose ligament and (I'm) waiting to
get more info on what I need to do," Merriman said in
an e-mail to the North County Times on Thursday
night.
Merriman told the San Diego Union Tribune he has a
torn posterior cruciate ligament in his left knee.
examined by Dr. James Andrews, who performed the operation.
Full Story
Full Story
Of course, the former LSU star knows the carries are going to dwindle drastically once the regular season starts.
Tomlinson, who has led the NFL in rushing each of the past two seasons, doesn’t play in preseason games.
Full Story
Tomlinson, who has led the NFL in rushing each of the past two seasons, doesn’t play in preseason games.
Full Story
San Diego’s top receiving threat, Gates was placed on the “PUP” list on July 25 as he continued to recover from
surgery in February to repair a torn plantar plate in his left big toe. He suffered the injury in the second quarter of
San Diego’s AFC divisional playoff win over Tennessee on January 6.
“It’s another step forward,” Gates said. “Hopefully I’ll work my way back in there. I’m glad to be back practicing with
my teammates and now you just hope things continue to go well.”
Gates recorded 75 catches for 984 yards and nine touchdowns in 16 games last season,
Defensive end Luis Castillo also returned to practice Tuesday after missing a week and a half with a sore back.
surgery in February to repair a torn plantar plate in his left big toe. He suffered the injury in the second quarter of
San Diego’s AFC divisional playoff win over Tennessee on January 6.
“It’s another step forward,” Gates said. “Hopefully I’ll work my way back in there. I’m glad to be back practicing with
my teammates and now you just hope things continue to go well.”
Gates recorded 75 catches for 984 yards and nine touchdowns in 16 games last season,
Defensive end Luis Castillo also returned to practice Tuesday after missing a week and a half with a sore back.
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."
Full Story
OK, but the way it feels is the problem."
Full Story
Tomlinson, the two-time defending NFL rushing champion, has run only 14 times in exhibition games games.
He still called this year's camp, which winds up Friday, a big success.
"I think the guys have really worked hard. We have really attacked this camp with the mindset of getting better and
really taking each day and trying to get better," Tomlinson said Monday. "I am happy camp is coming to a close.
You always look forward to camp being over. But with that, you know that the first game is approaching."
Full Story
He still called this year's camp, which winds up Friday, a big success.
"I think the guys have really worked hard. We have really attacked this camp with the mindset of getting better and
really taking each day and trying to get better," Tomlinson said Monday. "I am happy camp is coming to a close.
You always look forward to camp being over. But with that, you know that the first game is approaching."
Full Story
His field of NFL dreams is Chargers Park. His field of his college days is one Tomlinson never heard of
Full Story
Full Story
“I know you’ve got a lot of questions for me, but it really doesn’t matter,” Linehan said. “You can ask me anything
you want, and I’m a happy man.”
The Chargers’ defense was happy, too, after making some big stops. Antoine Cason and Cletus Gordon
intercepted Marc Bulger on consecutive passes in the first quarter and the Chargers, who opened with reserves
at six spots on defense, stopped St. Louis at the 2 in the second quarter.
Full Story
"He's running around and had a good workout today, so we'll see where he is this weekend," Chargers coach
Norv Turner said.
Turner said he hasn't decided how long starting quarterback Philip Rivers or backups Billy Volek and Charlie
Whitehurst will play against the Rams.
YahooSports.com
08/06/08
Chargers fullback Michael Tolbert, an undrafted
rookie, is opening some camp eyes by displaying his
two biggest attributes.
“Heart and desire,” Tolbert said on how he’ll be a
Charger come opening day. “If you tell me I can’t do
something, that just pushes me harder because it
comes from deep down. I can make those
nonbelievers, believers by being the best back on and
off the field.”
08/06/08
Chargers fullback Michael Tolbert, an undrafted
rookie, is opening some camp eyes by displaying his
two biggest attributes.
“Heart and desire,” Tolbert said on how he’ll be a
Charger come opening day. “If you tell me I can’t do
something, that just pushes me harder because it
comes from deep down. I can make those
nonbelievers, believers by being the best back on and
off the field.”
Associated Press
08/10/08
If first impressions are any indication, the San Diego
Chargers should be pleased with rookie Jacob Hester.
The rookie running back scored on a pair of short runs
to help the Chargers to a 31-17 preseason win over
the Dallas Cowboys on Saturday night.
Hester, the club’s third-round draft pick from LSU, is
competing with Darren Sproles to replace Michael
Turner as back up to two-time defending NFL rushing
champion LaDainian Tomlinson. He made a strong
case as he carried the ball 13 times for 49 yards and
scored on runs of 1 and 2 yards.
08/10/08
If first impressions are any indication, the San Diego
Chargers should be pleased with rookie Jacob Hester.
The rookie running back scored on a pair of short runs
to help the Chargers to a 31-17 preseason win over
the Dallas Cowboys on Saturday night.
Hester, the club’s third-round draft pick from LSU, is
competing with Darren Sproles to replace Michael
Turner as back up to two-time defending NFL rushing
champion LaDainian Tomlinson. He made a strong
case as he carried the ball 13 times for 49 yards and
scored on runs of 1 and 2 yards.
USAToday.com
08/11/08
It was quite a ride for the Chargers last season for
inside linebacker Matt Wilhelm.
"It was a roller coaster," Wilhelm said.
By the time the wheels stopped spinning, last year's
Chargers were 1-3 and Wilhelm wondered about his
life as a starter.
After biding his time as a backup and on special
teams, Wilhelm was a first-teamer last year.
08/11/08
It was quite a ride for the Chargers last season for
inside linebacker Matt Wilhelm.
"It was a roller coaster," Wilhelm said.
By the time the wheels stopped spinning, last year's
Chargers were 1-3 and Wilhelm wondered about his
life as a starter.
After biding his time as a backup and on special
teams, Wilhelm was a first-teamer last year.
Associated Press
08/12/08
Perhaps not well-known right now, Derek Smith
should be to Chargers fans during the first month of
the season.
The 12-year pro will be in the starting lineup for the
first four games in place of inside linebacker Stephen
Cooper, who will begin serving his four-game
suspension for violating the NFL's substance abuse
policy with the opener on Sept. 7 against the Carolina
Panthers.
08/12/08
Perhaps not well-known right now, Derek Smith
should be to Chargers fans during the first month of
the season.
The 12-year pro will be in the starting lineup for the
first four games in place of inside linebacker Stephen
Cooper, who will begin serving his four-game
suspension for violating the NFL's substance abuse
policy with the opener on Sept. 7 against the Carolina
Panthers.
Smith is expected to amply fill the void left by Cooper's absence.
After those first four games? Smith's role has yet to be determined.
"I have no idea," said Smith, who signed in February after being released by the San Francisco 49ers. "I'm just
trying to do the best job that I can. That's not up to me.
If it were up to the Chargers, they would have Cooper in the lineup. But having a fallback provision such as Smith
isn't bad.
Smith's first 11 years have been productive. He had at least 100 tackles in each of his first nine seasons and
just missed that mark the past two years. Smith was a third-round pick out of Arizona State in 1997 by
Washington, where he played for four years before going to San Francisco.
He's been on somewhat of a crash course in absorbing the Chargers' 3-4 alignment. The 49ers used it
occasionally last year, but there are differences.
The Chargers' status as one of the Super Bowl favorites is among the reasons Smith chose to sign with them.
He's played in five playoff games, but never in a Super Bowl.
"Having a chance to win a championship is something that is very important to me," Smith said.
Some teams can get bogged down with expectations. But Smith senses the Chargers have the right blend.
"I think they have high expectations for themselves -- the coaches and players. You got to have those, but you still
have to be able to be loose, go out and play football and not press. You can't be a robot."
Cooper proved he was all-too-human in violating NFL rules. While the Chargers are upset over that
development, at least they have depth in Smith.
"He says he is re-energized and I'm glad to hear that," Coach Norv Turner said.
After those first four games? Smith's role has yet to be determined.
"I have no idea," said Smith, who signed in February after being released by the San Francisco 49ers. "I'm just
trying to do the best job that I can. That's not up to me.
If it were up to the Chargers, they would have Cooper in the lineup. But having a fallback provision such as Smith
isn't bad.
Smith's first 11 years have been productive. He had at least 100 tackles in each of his first nine seasons and
just missed that mark the past two years. Smith was a third-round pick out of Arizona State in 1997 by
Washington, where he played for four years before going to San Francisco.
He's been on somewhat of a crash course in absorbing the Chargers' 3-4 alignment. The 49ers used it
occasionally last year, but there are differences.
The Chargers' status as one of the Super Bowl favorites is among the reasons Smith chose to sign with them.
He's played in five playoff games, but never in a Super Bowl.
"Having a chance to win a championship is something that is very important to me," Smith said.
Some teams can get bogged down with expectations. But Smith senses the Chargers have the right blend.
"I think they have high expectations for themselves -- the coaches and players. You got to have those, but you still
have to be able to be loose, go out and play football and not press. You can't be a robot."
Cooper proved he was all-too-human in violating NFL rules. While the Chargers are upset over that
development, at least they have depth in Smith.
"He says he is re-energized and I'm glad to hear that," Coach Norv Turner said.
His field of NFL dreams is Chargers Park. His field of his college days is one Tomlinson never heard of.
Full Story
Full Story
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more links..
Associated Press
08/23/08
Chargers Pro Bowl linebacker Shawne Merriman
said Saturday he has two torn ligaments in his left
knee and has been told by doctors that he could
suffer a possible career-ending injury if he attempts
to play without having surgery.
Merriman said he has tears in both the posterior
cruciate and lateral collateral ligaments. He said
doctors agree that he needs surgery to repair the
damage.
"It could be career-threatening if I did (play),"
Merriman said. "It's a possibility. That possibility is
still open."
08/23/08
Chargers Pro Bowl linebacker Shawne Merriman
said Saturday he has two torn ligaments in his left
knee and has been told by doctors that he could
suffer a possible career-ending injury if he attempts
to play without having surgery.
Merriman said he has tears in both the posterior
cruciate and lateral collateral ligaments. He said
doctors agree that he needs surgery to repair the
damage.
"It could be career-threatening if I did (play),"
Merriman said. "It's a possibility. That possibility is
still open."
A course of action has not been decided. Merriman, who will consult with a doctor in Miami early next week
before making a decision, has been told reconstructive surgery would sideline him for the entire 2008 season.
Another option is a less-invasive surgery that would allow him to play at some point in the season.
"They've all said the same things about the injury," Merriman said. "(They're) kind of surprised that I've been
playing with it up to this point."
The Chargers open the regular season Sept. 7 against the Carolina Panthers. Merriman wants to play this
season.
before making a decision, has been told reconstructive surgery would sideline him for the entire 2008 season.
Another option is a less-invasive surgery that would allow him to play at some point in the season.
"They've all said the same things about the injury," Merriman said. "(They're) kind of surprised that I've been
playing with it up to this point."
The Chargers open the regular season Sept. 7 against the Carolina Panthers. Merriman wants to play this
season.
"That's first and foremost," Merriman said. "That's what
I want to do. That's why this decision is even out there
still and not already made, because I want to play,
period. The question is what should I do? How long
should I play with it?
"It's a thousand different options at this point and I'm
just trying to make the best one."
Merriman left the team Tuesday to seek opinions from
other doctors, a trek that included a visit with
renowned surgeon James Andrews on Wednesday in
Birmingham, Ala. He said he is seeking as many
opinions as he can for a reason.
"I'm just trying to make the best decision possible for
the team and for my career," Merriman said.
I want to do. That's why this decision is even out there
still and not already made, because I want to play,
period. The question is what should I do? How long
should I play with it?
"It's a thousand different options at this point and I'm
just trying to make the best one."
Merriman left the team Tuesday to seek opinions from
other doctors, a trek that included a visit with
renowned surgeon James Andrews on Wednesday in
Birmingham, Ala. He said he is seeking as many
opinions as he can for a reason.
"I'm just trying to make the best decision possible for
the team and for my career," Merriman said.
| Cowboys vs Chargers Preseason Highlights |
| LT Nike Commercial |
The San Diego Chargers signed linebacker Jyles
Tucker to a five-year contract extension and safety
Steve Gregory to a four-year extension Monday.
Financial terms were not disclosed.
An undrafted free agent last season, Tucker played in
six games and recorded 12 tackles and 3 1/2 sacks.
Tucker was named the AFC Defensive Player of the
Week following a three-sack effort in the 2007
season-finale at Oakland.
Tucker to a five-year contract extension and safety
Steve Gregory to a four-year extension Monday.
Financial terms were not disclosed.
An undrafted free agent last season, Tucker played in
six games and recorded 12 tackles and 3 1/2 sacks.
Tucker was named the AFC Defensive Player of the
Week following a three-sack effort in the 2007
season-finale at Oakland.
including 12 last season, over his first two campaigns.Gregory, also an undrafted free agent, is entering his third
season. The 5-11 safety has made 23 tackles,
“Both Jyles and Steve did it the hard way,” Chargers general manager A.J. Smith. “They came to us as undrafted
free agents, spent some time on the practive squad and earned their way on to the 53-man roster by working
extremely hard.”
season. The 5-11 safety has made 23 tackles,
“Both Jyles and Steve did it the hard way,” Chargers general manager A.J. Smith. “They came to us as undrafted
free agents, spent some time on the practive squad and earned their way on to the 53-man roster by working
extremely hard.”
08/26/08
Associated Press
Darren Sproles is making a strong bid to back up NFL
Sproles ran for 102 yards and a touchdown in his
most extensive preseason work, and the San Diego
Chargers scored a late touchdown and 2-point
conversion to beat the Seattle Seahawks 18-17 on
Monday night.
With Tomlinson a preseason no-show as he gets
ready for the regular season, the most heated battle
on the Chargers remains between Sproles and rookie
Jacob Hester for the No. 2 job.
Score Round 3 for Sproles, the 5-foot-6, 181-pounder
who’s been plagued by durability questions all the way
back to college.
Associated Press
Darren Sproles is making a strong bid to back up NFL
Sproles ran for 102 yards and a touchdown in his
most extensive preseason work, and the San Diego
Chargers scored a late touchdown and 2-point
conversion to beat the Seattle Seahawks 18-17 on
Monday night.
With Tomlinson a preseason no-show as he gets
ready for the regular season, the most heated battle
on the Chargers remains between Sproles and rookie
Jacob Hester for the No. 2 job.
Score Round 3 for Sproles, the 5-foot-6, 181-pounder
who’s been plagued by durability questions all the way
back to college.
“There has not been any question in my mind,” Chargers coach Norv Turner said. “You need all your guys.
Darren is an explosive player. There are certain runs that he is very comfortable with. We’ll get LT back and
playing.
“Mix in Sproles and mix in Jacob and I think we will have a good group there.”
Tomlinson, the two-time rushing champion, was out of the lineup as usual for the preseason. But with Hester
getting more work in San Diego’s first two preseason games, Sproles carried the bigger load against the
Seahawks.
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Darren is an explosive player. There are certain runs that he is very comfortable with. We’ll get LT back and
playing.
“Mix in Sproles and mix in Jacob and I think we will have a good group there.”
Tomlinson, the two-time rushing champion, was out of the lineup as usual for the preseason. But with Hester
getting more work in San Diego’s first two preseason games, Sproles carried the bigger load against the
Seahawks.
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| Chargers vs Seahawks Preseason Highlights |
08/26/06
Associated Press
Five players were released by the San Diego
Chargers on Tuesday, including quarterback Casey
Bramlet, to get down to the required 75-player limit.
Also cut were wide receiver Billy Pittman, tight end
John Tereshinski, wide receiver Marco Thomas and
punter-kicker Billy Vinnedge.
Associated Press
Five players were released by the San Diego
Chargers on Tuesday, including quarterback Casey
Bramlet, to get down to the required 75-player limit.
Also cut were wide receiver Billy Pittman, tight end
John Tereshinski, wide receiver Marco Thomas and
punter-kicker Billy Vinnedge.
The moves came a day after the Chargers extended the contracts of linebacker Jyles Tucker and safety Steve
Gregory. Tucker, who’s played in only six career regular-season games, got a five-year deal while Gregory got a
four-year extension.
If star outside linebacker Shawne Merriman opts to have surgery on two torn ligaments in his left knee, Tucker is
expected to replace him. Merriman has been seeking opinions from doctors outside the organization and is
trying to decide whether to have surgery or continue playing.
“I will find out more info when the doc calls me tomorrow,” Merriman said in an e-mail to The Associated Press
on Tuesday. He was on his way home from visiting a doctor in Miami.
Associated Press
SAN DIEGO -- The surgeon's knife can wait.
Shawne Merriman is going to play football, two torn
knee ligaments and all.
A day after visiting a fourth doctor, the San Diego
Chargers outside linebacker decided Wednesday
to play this season rather than have his damaged
left knee repaired now.
"To be as simple as possible, I just want to play
football," Merriman said. "That's what it comes
SAN DIEGO -- The surgeon's knife can wait.
Shawne Merriman is going to play football, two torn
knee ligaments and all.
A day after visiting a fourth doctor, the San Diego
Chargers outside linebacker decided Wednesday
to play this season rather than have his damaged
left knee repaired now.
"To be as simple as possible, I just want to play
football," Merriman said. "That's what it comes
down to. I know what's on the table, I know what's on the line. I put a lot of work in this and I want to play."
Merriman said late last week that he has tears in both the posterior cruciate and lateral collateral ligaments in
his left knee, which he hurt in a game at Tennessee in December. He spent several days seeking outside
opinions. He returned Tuesday after seeing a doctor in Miami.
Merriman said all four doctors he saw said he needed surgery, but there "just wasn't a time frame on that. My
knee still looks pretty good. The decision was left up to me to play. If you give a football player a decision to play,
you know, I'm going to play."
Merriman said late last week that he has tears in both the posterior cruciate and lateral collateral ligaments in
his left knee, which he hurt in a game at Tennessee in December. He spent several days seeking outside
opinions. He returned Tuesday after seeing a doctor in Miami.
Merriman said all four doctors he saw said he needed surgery, but there "just wasn't a time frame on that. My
knee still looks pretty good. The decision was left up to me to play. If you give a football player a decision to play,
you know, I'm going to play."
When he does have surgery, he'll be looking at a
rehab of six to seven months.
"I'll have the surgery at any point," he said. "Nobody
knows. I kind of left it on the table when to have it. Not
even doctors can tell me that."
While denying reports the situation could be
career-threatening, he pledged to be "the same old
Shawne Merriman. That's what I'm hoping."
With his nonstop energy and spasmodic sack dance,
the player known as "Lights Out" has been the face of
the Chargers' defense the past three seasons. He
has 39½ sacks in that span, more than any other NFL
player. He's played in three straight Pro Bowls.
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rehab of six to seven months.
"I'll have the surgery at any point," he said. "Nobody
knows. I kind of left it on the table when to have it. Not
even doctors can tell me that."
While denying reports the situation could be
career-threatening, he pledged to be "the same old
Shawne Merriman. That's what I'm hoping."
With his nonstop energy and spasmodic sack dance,
the player known as "Lights Out" has been the face of
the Chargers' defense the past three seasons. He
has 39½ sacks in that span, more than any other NFL
player. He's played in three straight Pro Bowls.
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| Send A Message With Bolt You! T's |
| CLICK IMAGE |
| Chambers Commercial |
| LT with Kimbo Slice |
08/30/08
Associated Press
SAN FRANCISCO (AP)—Even against his hometown
team’s third-stringers and scrubs, Alex Smith
demonstrated why he’s no longer the San Francisco
49ers’ starting quarterback.
Smith passed for 146 yards but also threw two terrible
interceptions, and San Diego’s Eldra Buckley made a
one-armed diving catch on a 2-yard touchdown pass
with 29 seconds left in the Chargers’ 20-17 exhibition
victory over the 49ers on Friday night.
Associated Press
SAN FRANCISCO (AP)—Even against his hometown
team’s third-stringers and scrubs, Alex Smith
demonstrated why he’s no longer the San Francisco
49ers’ starting quarterback.
Smith passed for 146 yards but also threw two terrible
interceptions, and San Diego’s Eldra Buckley made a
one-armed diving catch on a 2-yard touchdown pass
with 29 seconds left in the Chargers’ 20-17 exhibition
victory over the 49ers on Friday night.
Just four weeks ago, Smith never would have expected to be playing three quarters in the season’s most
meaningless game. But the former No. 1 overall draft pick gradually lost his job to J.T. O’Sullivan, the
journeyman quarterback who will start for the 49ers (2-2) in next week’s home opener against Arizona.
meaningless game. But the former No. 1 overall draft pick gradually lost his job to J.T. O’Sullivan, the
journeyman quarterback who will start for the 49ers (2-2) in next week’s home opener against Arizona.
Associated Press
SAN DIEGO (AP)—The Chargers released linebacker
Carlos Polk and placed tight end Scott Chandler on
injured reserve Saturday.
The Chargers also removed center Nick Hardwick
from the physically unable to perform list, making him
part of the final 53-man roster even though he
probably won’t play right away as he recovers from
offseason foot surgery.
SAN DIEGO (AP)—The Chargers released linebacker
Carlos Polk and placed tight end Scott Chandler on
injured reserve Saturday.
The Chargers also removed center Nick Hardwick
from the physically unable to perform list, making him
part of the final 53-man roster even though he
probably won’t play right away as he recovers from
offseason foot surgery.
Hardwick, a Pro Bowl selection following the 2006 season, spent training camp on the physically unable to
perform list. He would have had to miss the first six games of the season if he wasn’t removed from the PUP list
by Saturday.
Coach Norv Turner declined to give a timetable for Hardwick’s return.
Polk spent the past seven seasons with the Chargers with his primary role being on special teams. Only
defensive tackle Jamal Williams and long snapper David Binn have been in the organization longer than the 31-
year-old Polk.
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perform list. He would have had to miss the first six games of the season if he wasn’t removed from the PUP list
by Saturday.
Coach Norv Turner declined to give a timetable for Hardwick’s return.
Polk spent the past seven seasons with the Chargers with his primary role being on special teams. Only
defensive tackle Jamal Williams and long snapper David Binn have been in the organization longer than the 31-
year-old Polk.
Full Story