NFL: San Diego waives star LB

The San Diego Chargers waived outside linebacker Shawne Merriman on Tuesday, three weeks after he was placed on injured reserve with a "minor injury" designation.

The Chargers had said then that they would release Merriman once he was healthy.

The Chargers also placed frequently injured wide receiver Craig "Buster" Davis on injured reserve with a groin injury, meaning his season is finished. Davis hasn't lived up to his billing as a first-round draft pick in 2007.

The Chargers re-signed offensive tackle Adam Terry.

Mankins rejoins Pats. Two-time Pro Bowl guard Logan Mankins reported to the New England Patriots, ending a long holdout from the team that has the NFL's best record without him.

Mankins, who wanted a contract extension, had stayed away since deciding not to sign the team's tender offer by June 14, the day before minicamp began.

The original tender offer of $3.26 million was reduced to $1.54 million when he didn't sign. The team did not announce how much Mankins would be paid for the rest of the season.

Belichick said the Patriots (6-1) expected to receive a roster exemption for Mankins.

It's Mangini's call. Browns president Mike Holmgren says he would not interfere with coach Eric Mangini's decision on Cleveland's starting quarterback.

Holmgren has been encouraged by rookie quarterback Colt McCoy's development and performances in two starts, but warned it's too early to say if he's the future. Holmgren will give his input and opinion to Mangini, but said those discussions would not take place until injured quarterbacks Seneca Wallace and Jake Delhomme return.

He also said the team was not interested in signing wide receiver Randy Moss, saying the team should "focus on developing our young receivers."

More games in England? Fresh off a fourth straight sellout at Wembley Stadium, the NFL vice president of international business is optimistic the league will be playing multiple regular-season games in Britain.

More than 84,000 fans packed into Wembley to see the 49ers beat the Broncos, 24-16, and Chris Parsons said the NFL would talk to owners in January or February about a game next year. But he said the decision could be delayed by talks on the collective bargaining agreement.

Moves. Seattle placed defensive end Red Bryant and guard Ben Hamilton on the injured reserve list, ending their seasons, then released fullback Quinton Ganther and cornerback Nate Ness. The Seahawks then signed defensive tackle Frank Okam. . . . Longtime 49ers center Eric Heitmann was put on season-ending injured reserve, clearing roster room for the addition of new linebacker Thaddeus Gibson, claimed off waivers from the Steelers. . . . Pittsburgh then signed outside linebacker Chris Ellis to their practice squad.