NFL Injury Report: 49ers-Panthers (Thursday)

San Francisco 49ers defensive coordinator was asked about the possibility of San Diego Chargers linebacker Shawne Merriman being released and his thoughts of him as a player.  Although, he didn't say that the 49ers were looking to sign him, he didn't say they weren't and in fact he's a big fan of Merriman's.

"When I had him four years ago, Shawnie was a great football player.  I love everything about him. He's a true football player."

Last week, Adam Schefter of ESPN said that the 49ers had interest in claiming Merriman off of the waiver wire and since they have such a bad win-loss record it is likely that they would win the claim.

The entire transcript of Greg Manusky's media session is after the jump.


San Francisco

Out: C Eric Heitmann (neck)
Did Not Participate: CB Nate Clements (ankle)
Limited Participation: TE Delanie Walker (ankle)
Full Participation: DE Justin Smith (hand), TE Vernon Davis (knee), LB Manny Lawson (rib), WR Josh Morgan (thigh), LB Parys Haralson (calf)


Carolina

Did Not Participate: OT Jeff Otah (knee), LB Jamar Williams (neck)
Limited Participation: OG Travelle Wharton (knee), TE Dante Rosario (knee)
Full Participation: WR Steve Smith (ankle)

Defensive Coordinator Greg Manusky

Press Conference – October 21, 2010

San Francisco 49ers

Adam Schefter: 49ers Interested in Shawne Merriman

According to Adam Schefter of ESPN, the San Francisco 49ers might be the future destination of Shawne Merriman.  Schefter states that Merriman would prefer to play for Miami, Baltimore, or Dallas but the 49ers will likely have first choice with their 0-5 record.  Schefter doesn't list that this information came from an official source but we all know that Jed York likes to text message Schefter.

Current 49ers defensive coordinator, Greg Manusky, use to be the San Diego Chargers linebacker coach and was there when Merriman was at his best.  During the two years that Merriman played under Manusky, he totaled 27 sacks and 92 tackles.

Gregg Rosenthal of ProFootballTalk.com says that the 49ers "even debated trading for Merriman before he was released."