Merriman signs injury waiver, not sure whether he'll participate in minicamps

Chargers linebacker Shawne Merriman recently suggested that he’d be signing an injury waiver and reporting for offseason workouts with the team.  Kevin Acee of the San Diego Union-Tribune reports that Merriman and the team have indeed agreed that, if he suffers a season-ending injury while working out with the team, he’ll receive the full amount of his 2010 salary of $3.269 million.

“I see no point in not working out with the team,” Merriman said.  “I
wanted to do this.  I’m a big-picture guy. . . .  I’m going to be me.”

Five years ago, Merriman’s commitment to being himself made him one of the very rare rookies to refuse to sign a similar document and participate in minicamps and other offseason workouts before signing a contract.  Then again, it’s presently unclear whether Merriman will be only lifting and running with the team, or whether he’ll participate in on-field offseason practice sessions.

“I don’t know about minicamp or anything else,” Merriman said. “I’m taking it
one day at a time.”

Because he’s not under contract, Merriman can boycott all offseason practice sessions, voluntary and mandatory.  He also can hold out of training camp and the preseason without being subject to a fine.  Because Merriman’s RFA tender equates to 110 percent of his 2009 pay, his tender offer is not subject to reduction after June 15; thus, he can stay away from any and all activities until the eve of the regular season and receive his full salary — unless the Chargers rescind the tender offer.