SAN DIEGO — San Diego Chargers linebacker Shawne Merriman will be suspended four games for violating the NFL's substance abuse policy, according to a report posted last night on ESPN.com.

The 22-year-old Merriman, last year's NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year, was initially to be suspended last week alongside two other players, the Web site reported, citing people with knowledge of the suspension whom the report did not identify.

Guard Mark Lehr of the Atlanta Falcons and Detroit Lions defensive tackle Shaun Rogers began serving their suspensions this week. But Merriman's suspension was delayed because he reserved the right to appeal, ESPN.com said.

The report did not specify when the suspension would begin, but Merriman would be eligible to return Nov. 26 against the Oakland Raiders if he sat out immediately.

"Per the collective bargaining agreement, the Chargers aren't allowed to comment on reports or results involving the league's substance abuse policy," Chargers spokesman Bill Johnston said last night.

Merriman had seven tackles, one assist and no sacks in Sunday's 30-27 loss to the Chiefs in Kansas City. The team was flying home and messages left by The Associated Press for several Chargers officials, including head coach Marty Schottenheimer, were not immediately returned.

CHIEFS 30, CHARGERS 27

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Lawrence Tynes, who had a 48-yard field goal wiped out by an illegal procedure penalty, came right back to connect on a 53-yarder with 6 seconds left to lift Kansas City (3-3) over San Diego (4-2) yesterday.

LaDainian Tomlinson figured in two fourth-quarter TD throws, one as the receiver and one as the passer, as the Chargers (4-2) came back from an early 17-point deficit to tie the game at 27-all.

The Chiefs began the winning drive at their own 18 with 33 seconds left.

TEXANS 27, JAGUARS 7

HOUSTON — Rookie running back Wali Lundy, who hadn't played in the last three games, had 93 yards rushing and scored on a 2-yard run in the fourth quarter that gave Houston a 17-7 lead in its victory over Jacksonville.

The Texans (2-4), who entered the day allowing a league-worst 418 yards a game, forced two turnovers — both of which led to touchdowns — and held the Jaguars (3-3) to 220 yards.

BRONCOS 17, BROWNS 7

CLEVELAND — Jake Plummer threw for 209 yards and one touchdown, Tatum Bell rushed 24 times for 115 yards and a TD, and Denver (5-1), with the NFL's stingiest defense, held Cleveland (1-5) to just 164 yards.

The Broncos were less than 12 minutes from their first road shutout in 14 years when Plummer's interception led to a short Cleveland touchdown pass — only the second TD allowed by Denver this season.

PATRIOTS 28, BILLS 6

ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. — Corey Dillon had only 47 yards rushing, but his two touchdowns in the first half gave New England (5-1) an early lead in its rout of Buffalo (2-5), which has lost five straight.

Tom Brady finished 18 of 27 for 195 yards and two touchdowns, improving to 29-6 against divisional rivals, despite guiding the Patriots to just 265 yards on offense.