National Football League

Shawne Merriman could be San Francisco bound, report says

Published Oct. 18, 2010 10:11 a.m. ET

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While college teammates at Maryland, tight end Vernon Davis and linebacker Shawne Merriman waged daily battles that became legendary on the practice field.

Now, they might get a rematch in Santa Clara.

Adam Schefter of ESPN reported Sunday that the 49ers are likely to put a claim on Merriman when the San Diego Chargers waive the three-time Pro Bowler at outside linebacker. The Chargers put Merriman on the injured reserve list Wednesday with a calf-injury and a "minor injury" designation. He will be released when he is healthy.

Once considered one of the best defensive players in the game, Merriman had 39.5 sacks over his first three seasons starting in 2005, despite missing four games in 2006 for violating the NFL's policy on performance-enhancing drugs.

But he has had only four sacks in the three seasons since and developed a contentious relationship with Chargers general manager A.J. Smith.

Merriman's contract pays him $3,269,000 this season. ESPN's report said that Merriman, who has battled calf and Achilles problems this year, could be healthy enough to play by the end of the month.

The 49ers had only nine players line up for a field-goal try with 8:37 to play in the first half. That left them short two blockers -- the so-called "wings" on the outside of the line. On the radio broadcast, analyst Gary Plummer was blunt in assessing the error: "You don't even see that in a preseason game."

The 49ers called a timeout and, after consideration, dispatched the punt team instead.

Jason Campbell's 38.1 completion percentage was the worst by a 49ers opponent since Bears quarterback Cade McNown connected on only 31 percent (9 of 29) on Dec. 17, 2000.

In two career games against the Raiders, Alex Smith has a quarterback rating of 104.7. His combined line: 31 of 52 attempts for 361 yards, five touchdowns and one interception.

With 6,032 career rushing yards, Frank Gore moved past Ken Willard and into third place on the 49ers' all-time list. He trails only Roger Craig (7,344) and Joe Perry (7,064).

The 49ers reported no significant injuries on the postgame report. All the players who were shaken up went back into the game, including cornerback Nate Clements (leg contusion), linebacker Manny Lawson (rib contusion), receiver Josh Morgan (thigh contusion) and defensive end Justin Smith (hand laceration).

Before Michael Crabtree's 32-yard touchdown catch, the 49ers were the only team without a touchdown longer than 20 yards.

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