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Chargers linebacker Donnie Edwards sprained his right ankle in Monday's second practice and looks doubtful to play Thursday in the team's exhibition season opener against the Green Bay Packers.

"It's throbbing, and I can't walk on it,'' Edwards said, with a fresh set of crutches at his side.

Edwards, who led the team with 151 tackles and five interceptions last season, will have the ankle X-rayed to learn the extent of the damage.


Coach Marty Schottenheimer was almost cavalier regarding Edwards' availability in Green Bay.

"He's the plastic man,'' Schottenheimer said. "He bends but he doesn't break. Donnie will play ---- it's on national TV.''

Merriman ailing

Top pick Shawne Merriman's debut could be delayed until the Chargers' home exhibition Aug. 21 against the St. Louis Rams.

Merriman was having the big toenail on his left foot removed Monday, after it was stepped on last week in workouts.

"It's like a paper cut in that it hurts like hell,'' said Merriman, an outside linebacker.

The draft's 12th overall selection said he "should be good'' for the Packers game.

Schottenheimer said otherwise.

"If we were putting out an injury report, he would be questionable to doubtful,'' Schottenheimer said.

Merriman is also bothered by a strained hamstring suffered Saturday in practice. That was the injury Schottenheimer seemed most concerned about.

No L.T.

Those expecting a dose of running back LaDainian Tomlinson on Thursday will be disappointed.

Reading Schottenheimer's body language indicated Tomlinson won't play against the Packers.

"It's not likely, but we'll wait and see,'' Schottenheimer said.

Quarterback Drew Brees should go the first quarter, followed by Philip Rivers for two quarters, Schottenheimer said. Cleo Lemon and possibly Craig Ochs will finish up.

Still no Gates

General manager A.J. Smith said "the lines of communication are still open'' in regard to negotiations with unsigned Pro Bowl tight end Antonio Gates.

Andre Colona, Gates' agent, didn't return a phone message.

Gates has missed 19 practice sessions in his contract dispute.

Quick hits

Those who missed a portion or both of Monday's practices were OL Courtney VanBuren (knee), WR Malcom Floyd (calf), LBs Ben Leber (foot), Shawne Merriman (toe) and Marques Harris (back) and DL Adrian Dingle (knee) and Luis Castillo (foot). ... The team practices at 3:30 p.m. today.