Is that a good thing?

Usually.

But the Chargers welcome the Carolina Panthers in Sunday's season opener looking like the bunch leaving the 2007 playoffs -- banged-up.

Linebacker Shawne Merriman is playing with two torn knee ligaments. Tight end Antonio Gates will go, but his surgically repaired toe is far from 100 percent.

Defensive tackle Jamal Williams, the key to the team's success on early downs, has tender knees.

Welcome to the start to 2008, which looks like the end of 2007.

The Chargers exited last year's AFC Championship Game, to some extent, because of a lengthy injury list.

LaDainian Tomlinson -- who is A-OK for Sunday -- was compromised with a sprained knee. Quarterback Philip Rivers was hobbling on a torn ACL and Gates was a shadow of himself.

It was a disheartening defeat, but one the organization hopes to build on and springboard it to a solid 2008.

The Panthers are the first of two home games over the initial five weeks.

Rivers, though, appears to be fine. It was amazing watching him take all but a handful of the training camp snaps and basically his same rotation in the preseason games. He looks fine, although it's yet another injury that figures to challenge Rivers' mobility. Two-time Pro Bowl left tackle Marcus McNeill is out with a neck injury.

With the Panthers offering Julius Peppers, this could be a key Sunday.

Despite the various ailments, few teams wouldn't want to trade rosters with the Chargers, the two-time defending AFC West champions.

It's a squad loaded with playmakers on both sides of the ball and one with a legitimate shot at the Super Bowl.

In fact, it's hard to think of anything derailing the Chargers -- except injuries. And it's never a good sign having to already deal with them on opening day.

At least they draw the Panthers, one of the softer spots on a decent schedule. And their upset hopes aren't helped by missing standout wide receiver Steve Smith.

But this has the potential to be a dangerous game for the Chargers. That said, they are at least a touchdown favorite as they start their journey for their third straight AFC West title and possibly so much more -- their health willing.

SERIES HISTORY: 4th meeting. Panthers lead series, 2-1, although the Chargers prevailed the last time they met, 17-6 in Charlotte in 2004. The Chargers erased a 6-0 first-half deficit in that game and hogged the ball most of the second half.