The Chargers have become resigned to Vincent Jackson and Marcus McNeill holding out of training camp, but linebacker Shawne Merriman’s situation remains less certain.
Kevin Acee of the San Diego Union-Tribune writes Merriman is likely to show up to training camp “at some point” but skipping any time doesn’t make much sense. Sure, the Chargers can’t fine Merriman or reduce his contract offer.
But Merriman must realize he needs the work to regain his pre-injury form. And there’s no chance he’s getting a new contract until that happens.
“Because of the things he’s been through, he would benefit greatly from having a full, great training camp and getting back to doing the things he does healthy,” coach Norv Turner told Acee. “I don’t care who you are, if you’re not 100 percent . . . there are thing you can’t do that you used to do, you’re not instinctive. The way you get those things back is by going 100 mph and practicing.”
The Chargers haven’t seen Merriman “for a while” but logic indicates that will change early in training camp, if not the first day. Otherwise, Merriman is getting some bad advice.