The folks at FOX are blazing another new trail when it comes to NFL coverage.  For the first time, an active player will serve as an analyst on a network preview show.

Specifically, Sam Farmer of the Los Angeles Times reports that Chargers linebacker Shawne Merriman will join FSN’s Pro Football Preview.

Merriman will join Jay Glazer and Eddie George for the weekly offering on FOX’s all-sports cable network.

“It is one thing to have somebody who played talk about what’s going on each week, but to have somebody who is still playing takes our show to another level,” said FOX Senior Vice President Rick Jaffe.  “The insight he will bring just raised the bar for every NFL pre-game show on television.”

In the past, the various network shows have hosted active players during their bye weeks.  But this is the first time a player will show up every week to talk about the coming slate of games.

Each Thursday, Merriman will fly from San Diego to Los Angeles for the taping of the show.

Accommodations likely will be necessary on October 23, when the Chargers will be preparing for an October 26 game in London against the Saints, and on December 4, when the Chargers will be hosting the Raiders in a game to be aired on NFL Network.