NFL Report: Bolts put Merriman on IR, release next

The San Diego Chargers have turned out the lights on the player known as "Lights Out." Outside linebacker Shawne Merriman, once one of the most-feared players in the NFL, was placed on the injured reserve list with a calf injury and a "minor-injury designation" Wednesday.

Merriman must be released once he's healthy, the team said.

Technically, the Chargers could re-sign the controversial player. That almost certainly won't happen, though, because general manager A.J. Smith hasn't been a fan of Merriman's celebrity-leaning lifestyle.

Known as "Lights Out" because of his once-ferocious hits, Merriman had 39 1/2 sacks in his first three seasons. He's had only four in the three seasons since then because of a variety of injuries.

He had only five tackles and no sacks in limited action this year.

Favre would consider sitting out

Brett Favre said he would consider sitting out a game or two for the Minnesota Vikings this season if the tendinitis in his right elbow gets worse. Favre has started an NFL record 289 straight games, a streak he cherishes. The 41-year-old quarterback did not practice on Wednesday, according to an injury report released by the team.

Pack's Finley, Barnett done?

Green Bay Packers tight end Jermichael Finley and linebacker Nick Barnett may be lost for the season after having surgery this week. Packers coach Mike McCarthy says both players will need more time than originally expected to recover, and placing them on injured reserve is "definitely" an option. The team may wait until next week to make a decision on ending either player's season.

Browns trade Harrison to Eagles

The Cleveland Browns have traded disgruntled running back Jerome Harrison to the Philadelphia Eagles for running back Mike Bell. Harrison, who rushed for 561 yards in Cleveland's final three games last season, has been upset with his role this year. He ran for just 6 yards on six carries last week in a loss to Atlanta. One week earlier, he didn't carry the ball in Cleveland's win over Cincinnati.

Report: Lockout could cost $1B

The NFL reportedly could lose $1 billion if there is a lockout after the March 3 expiration of the collective bargaining agreement - even if the entire 2011 season is played. The Wall Street Journal reported the figure yesterday, citing unidentified senior NFL officials familiar with information presented to the 32 team owners at the league's meeting in Chicago. The paper said the NFL could lose $400 million in March alone, when many season tickets are renewed, and another $500 million if preseason games are canceled next summer because of labor unrest. Though the story said all teams were profitable, a league official told The Associated Press the NFL has never made that claim.

- AP