Shawne Merriman’s career as a San Diego Charger is over.

On Wednesday, the Chargers placed Merriman on Injured Reserve (calf) with a minor-injury designation.

Unlike typical placements on Injured Reserve, this doesn’t end Merriman’s season, and it doesn’t preserve Merriman’s rights with the team for the year.  Quite the opposite, in fact — once healthy, the Chargers must release Merriman, and Merriman is free to sign with any team, even this season.

So, for all intents and purposes, the Chargers just released Shawne Merriman; he just needs to be healthy before he can sign with another team.

A three-time Pro Bowler and All Pro, Merriman’s production has tapered since suffering a knee injury in 2008.  He’s been hindered by knee, foot, and calf injuries since, only registering four sacks in the past two seasons.