NCT: Bolts have interest in ex-Bengals OT Anderson
Robin Miller
CHARGERS NOTES: Bolts have interest in ex-Bengals OT Anderson
By MIKE SULLIVAN - Staff Writer
SAN DIEGO ---- The Chargers are interested in four-time Pro Bowl offensive
tackle Willie Anderson, Chargers general manager A.J. Smith said Wednesday.
Anderson, 33, was released by the Cincinnati Bengals on Saturday, ending a
12-year tenure with the team.
Anderson also is considering Baltimore and Tampa Bay. He reportedly visited
with the Ravens on Wednesday.
"My understanding is Willie has narrowed it to three teams, and we're happy
to hear that," Smith said. "The minute he was released, I thought he was
someone who could help us."
Smith said the Chargers are interested in signing Anderson as a backup to
starting right tackle Jeromey Clary.
Anderson played in four consecutive Pro Bowls following the 2003-06 seasons
before appearing in just seven games last season due to foot and knee
injuries.
Smith said the team's interest in Anderson is unrelated to the status of
left tackle Marcus McNeill, who hasn't practiced in four weeks and missed
the preseason because of neck issues. Chargers coach Norv Turner said
McNeill saw a doctor Wednesday.
It has become clear that veteran L.J. Shelton will start Sunday's opener
against Carolina, though Shelton said Wednesday that he hasn't been told
he's the starter.
Merriman says he's ready
Outside linebacker Shawne Merriman practiced and said he plans to play at
his usual all-out pace despite two torn knee ligaments.
"As far as going out there watching yourself, that's how you get hurt,"
Merriman said. "You go out there and you play tentative and you worry too
much about what's going to happen rather than making something happen,
that's when guys get hurt."
Captains appointed
Turner announced that quarterback Philip Rivers and running back LaDainian
Tomlinson will be the offensive captains; Merriman and defensive tackle
Jamal Williams will be the defensive captains, and Kassim Osgood will be the
special teams captain.
The captains were selected by a vote of the players.
"It's always an honor," Tomlinson said. "I'm glad that my teammates still
view me as a captain. It's always very humbling, but at same time, a lot
goes along with being a captain. You have to take that role serious."
Notes
C Nick Hardwick (foot) worked on the side for 45 minutes Wednesday morning.
Hardwick said his timetable hasn't changed, meaning he's still at least a
few weeks from being ready to play. ... TE Antonio Gates (toe) was a full
practice participant and is counting on the excitement of the game to help
him ignore any pain. "I'm banking on the fans and the adrenaline," Gates
said. "Some of it is mental at this point. You still understand that your
pain ---- my toe, in my case ---- limits me to doing certain things." DT
Jamal Williams (knees) also was a full practice participant. ... OLB Shawne
Merriman will make his first trip to Los Angeles on Thursday for his weekly
in-studio analyst gig on Fox Sports Net's weekly Pro Football Preview show.
The process of Merriman leaving the Chargers' complex and flying to L.A. to
tape the show and returning to San Diego will take approximately six hours
each Thursday. The show airs on Fridays and Saturdays.
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