Chargers linebacker out with injured knee

SAN DIEGO, Dec. 10 (UPI) -- San Diego Chargers linebacker Shawne Merriman will not play Sunday against the Detroit Lions because of an injured knee.

Merriman suffered a sprained left knee in the second quarter this past Sunday in the San Diego's 23-17 overtime win against Tennessee, Chargers Coach Norv Turner said Monday. He had two sacks in the game, but did not return to play in the third quarter, appearing on the sideline in casual clothes.

"We'll know more as the week goes on, how long he'll be out," Turner said. "I'm not going to speculate, but it could be a few weeks."

Merriman is just one of San Diego's injury problems. Fullback Lorenzo Neal, who suffered a fractured right fibula.in the fourth quarter on Sunday, is out indefinitely.