Chargers linebacker Shawne Merriman says he’s ready to move forward after signing his one-year tender offer, but he won’t be ready to play in Saturday’s preseason game.

Kevin Acee of the San Diego Union-Tribune reports that an Achilles’ tendon injury Merriman has battled for years flared up on Tuesday night and will almost certainly sideline Merriman Saturday.

“It’s tough, working my way back into it,” Merriman said. “I knew coming in that it’s a lot of work and we’d have to take it one day at a time.”

Merriman says swelling and soreness in the Achilles has bothered him “on and off for years,” and Merriman’s health has to be a concern for the Chargers, who will pay Merriman $3.269 million this season.

Foot and Achilles injuries plagued Merriman last year, and in 2008 he missed every game except the opener with a knee injury. Merriman has never played all 16 games in a season.