Chargers linebacker Shawne Merriman is eager to return to the field after appearing in just one game last season.
He is coming off an injury to his left knee and reported to camp on Monday along with San Diego's quarterbacks, rookies and other players coming off injuries.
"I just want to help the team get back what we lacked last year?nastiness and intensity and being physical," Merriman said. "I think that's where you notice it, being away from the game. Some of the things that I was really good at doing, that is motivating everybody else, getting everybody else to take their game to another level."
March 2009 - Los Angeles Chargers Wiretap
Turner: LT Will Challenge For Rushing Title
Chargers coach Norv Turner expects to give LaDainian Tomlinson plenty of carries this season.
Turner was asked by The San Diego Union-Tribune what should be expected of Tomlinson with Darren Sproles expected to have a bigger role in the offense.
"I would expect LT to be among the top three or four rushers in the league," Turner said. "And depending how our season goes and the games go, he'll be a factor in the rushing title. Darren is going to complement him. But Darren's starting point is in the return game and we'll pick our spots with him on offense."
Chargers Agree To Terms With Four Picks
The Chargers have agreed to terms on four-year contracts with third-round pick Louis Vasquez and fourth round picks Vaughn Martin, Tyronne Green and Gartrell Johnson.
This leaves San Diego with just three unsigned picks: first-rounder Larry English; sixth-rounder Kevin Ellison, and seventh-rounder Demetrius Byrd.
Chargers Release Linebacker Wilhelm
San Diego has released linebacker Matt Wilhelm just a week before their first full-squad practice of training camp.
Wilhelm started five games for the Chargers last season, but lost his job to Tim Dobbins by the end of 2008.
Sproles Isn't Expected To Sign Long-Term Deal
The Chargers aren't expected to sign running back Darren Sproles to a long-term deal ahead of Wednesday afternoon's deadline.
He signed a one-year, $6.621 million franchise tender with San Diego in late April.
Antonio Cromartie Has Seven Kids In Five States
Antonio Cromartie trains in the offseason with his mind on the seven kids he reportedly has fathered living in five states.
Cromartie has been named in at least five paternity suits in the past two years.
Brinkley In Stable Condition After Shooting
Chargers rookie running back Curtis Brinkley is still in stable condition following a shooting on Friday morning.
Brinkley was hospitalized on Friday after being shot at a Philadelphia intersection.
In a statement, the Chargers wished Brinkley a speedy recovery but said they would have no further comment while the shooting was under investigation.
Chargers' Brinkley Hurt In Shooting
Chargers rookie running back Curtis Brinkley was shot in suburban Philadelphia on Friday, according to authorities.
He was hospitalized and is currently in stable condition.
Brinkley was shot multiple times early Friday morning as his car was stopped at an intersection in Cheltenham. Police are looking for a gunman that fled the scene.
The running back was able to drive himself a short distance, then was taken to a hospital by a police officer who responded to the shooting.
Cromartie: Chargers Are Playoff-Bound
Chargers cornerback Antonio Cromartie sat down with NFL.com for a chat with fans recently, and declared the team playoff-bound.
Cromartie was asked by a fan what he predicted for the AFC West this season.
"We'll get another playoff berth," he responded. "Everyone just has to stay healthy, so when it comes to that time we can clinch a playoff berth."