Veteran linebacker Shawne Merriman to be released by Chargers

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Three-time pro bowler Shawne Merriman has played his last game with the San Diego Chargers, the team announced Wednesday.

The six-year veteran linebacker was placed on injured reserve with a calf injury and a ‘minor-injury designation,’ which means he must be released when he is healthy, according to the Chargers’ website.

Merriman missed the season opener against Kansas City with an Achilles injury and saw limited action the next week against Jacksonville. He injured his calf in Week 3 against Seattle, missed the next game against Arizona and re-injured his calf this past weekend against Oakland.

The NFL defensive rookie of the year in 2005, Merriman had his best season in 2006, when he led the league with 17 sacks despite missing the first four games of the season after being suspended for testing positive for steroid use.

He has been plagued by injuries the past three seasons.

-- Chuck Schilken