" Backup quarterback Billy Volek has been listed as probable, but after three straight days of practice, Shawne Merriman was back in the protective boot Saturday and listed as "doubtful" for the Chargers' regular-season opener Monday night at Kansas City.

"It's just to take the pressure off (the injured Achilles)," said head coach Norv Turner of the boot. "It's not an exact science. I think he's doing better and he's done more each day. He's shown great improvement."

Although he's been sidelined or "limited" in practice throughout the week, the sore-kneed Volek will be "ready to go" Monday night, according to Turner. The only other quarterback behind Philip Rivers is journeyman J.T. O'Sullivan, who only joined the Chargers as a free agent last weekend.""