Merriman on IR, can return this season??

[Steve102]

From Jason LaCanfora tweet:

Chargers LB Shawne Merriman on IR with a “minor-injury designation,” so he must be released by the team when he becomes healthy.

Does anyone know how this works? I thought IR meant a player was done. Also, why would a guy of this level be let go outright?

 

[jmt57]

It would be similar to what happened with Torry Holt, I believe. The team and player would have to agree to an injury-salary settlement. After that the player would be a free agent and could sign elsewhere.

If not, then the player remains property of the team and receives his full salary - and cannot play for that team, or any other team because he would still be on IR.