The San Diego Chargers announced that linebacker Shawne Merriman has officially been placed on waivers.

Merriman had been on the Chargers' injured reserve list, though his placement on that list was designated with a "minor" injury, meaning the Chargers would be required to place him on waivers when he was capable of passing a physical, which the three-time Pro Bowl linebacker and 2005 NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year apparently passed on Tuesday.

A first-round pick out of Maryland in 2005, Merriman has 231 tackles and 43.5 quarterback sacks during his career. A serious knee injury limited Merriman to just 15 games and 4 quarterback sacks between the 2008 and 2009 seasons.

Merriman (6-4, 272) had six tackles in three games before injuring his calf in a Week 3 loss to the Seattle Seahawks. Merriman is earning a $3.269 million base salary this season, and the team that claims him will be on the hook for $1.73 million of that amount.

The winless Buffalo Bills are first in the waiver order, and Merriman could be an appealing option for their conversion to their 3-4 defense. Despite his recent off-field and injury issues, as well as his pursuit of a long-term contract extension, Merriman is not expected to fall past the San Francisco 49ers or Denver Broncos, who are 4th and 5th in the waiver order.

San Diego also placed wide receiver Buster Davis (groin) on injured reserve and re-signed offensive tackle Adam Terry. Rookie offensive lineman Ryan Otterson has been re-signed to the practice squad, as well.