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Chargers’ Merriman has two torn ligaments in left knee

The Rocky

Published August 23, 2008 at 9:13 p.m.

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SAN DIEGO — Chargers Pro Bowl linebacker Shawne Merriman said Saturday he has two torn ligaments in his left knee and has been told by doctors that he could suffer a possible career-ending injury if he attempts to play without having surgery.

Merriman said he has tears in both the posterior cruciate and lateral collateral ligaments. He said doctors agree that he needs surgery to repair the damage.

“It could be career-threatening if I did (play),” Merriman said. “It’s a possibility. That possibility is still open.”

A course of action has not been decided. Merriman, who will consult with a doctor in Miami early next week before making a decision, has been told reconstructive surgery would sideline him for the entire 2008 season. Another option is a less-invasive surgery that would allow him to play at some point in the season.

“They’ve all said the same things about the injury,” Merriman said. “(They’re) kind of surprised that I’ve been playing with it up to this point.”

The Chargers open the regular season Sept. 7 against the Carolina Panthers. Merriman wants to play this season.

“That’s first and foremost,” Merriman said. “That’s what I want to do. That’s why this decision is even out there still and not already made, because I want to play, period. The question is what should I do? How long should I play with it?

“It’s a thousand different options at this point and I’m just trying to make the best one.”

Merriman left the team Tuesday to seek opinions from other doctors, a trek that included a visit with renowned surgeon James Andrews on Wednesday in Birmingham, Ala. He said he is seeking as many opinions as he can for a reason.

“I’m just trying to make the best decision possible for the team and for my career,” Merriman said.

Coach Norv Turner has remained optimistic all week that Merriman will be able to play this season. He again expressed that hope Saturday.

“Right now, in talking to him, his mind-set is he’s doing everything he can to get ready for Carolina, our opener,” Turner said. “He just wants to get a little bit more information on his knee.”

Merriman has made the Pro Bowl in each of his three NFL seasons. He has 39 1/2 sacks in that span, more than any other NFL player.

Comments

  • August 23, 2008

    10:20 p.m.

    Suggest removal

    awhite411 writes:

    Try the Roids, they were working before........you tulip!

  • August 24, 2008

    7:59 a.m.

    Suggest removal

    barryvictor writes:

    Shawn....have you been playing Ricky lately???? Must be smoke in your eyes, dude. Get the surgery, rehab your knee, and sign a free agent contract with the Broncos in 2009!

  • August 24, 2008

    9:21 a.m.

    Suggest removal

    herreraj writes:

    Marriman should just get the knee fixed then come back strong next
    year and hope he stays healthy.

  • August 24, 2008

    11:50 a.m.

    Suggest removal

    Brain writes:

    IF I was S.D. I wouldn't allow him to play! IF I was Merriman I would have the sense to get it fixed NOW, I would expect to live much longer than the years I play and would want to be able to walk and run. Since Merriman isn't me and he is an idiot, he will probably do the wrong thing and play and ruin his career and potentially his quality of life after football.
    He should just go talk to someone like Jack Lambert!!

  • August 24, 2008

    9:52 p.m.

    Suggest removal

    jugdish writes:

    Tough break for Merriman, he's a good player. Now, Phil Rivers... that's a tulip. Can't wait to see the forearm shiver he gets from DJ Williams.

  • August 25, 2008

    12:05 a.m.

    Suggest removal

    Myhighhorse writes:

    Do we see a pattern here? After being busted for his steriod use he has been facing minor injures every since and now comes a bigger injury, he deserves everything he gets.

  • August 25, 2008

    10:41 a.m.

    Suggest removal

    Dynamicdave writes:

    Myhighhorse, nobody deserves a season injury. That is Raider mentality. I don't mind seeing someone get his bell rung, or knocked out of the game, for that game, but I think it's wrong to wish injury upon a player. Get better Merriman, and don't worry about your teammate, Rivers. Denver will take care of him, nicely.

  • August 25, 2008

    11:52 a.m.

    Suggest removal

    BroncoRick69 writes:

    Shaun don't worry about the surgery, bro. Just go ahead and play through the season. I'm sure the doctors don't know what they are talking about with that "career threatening injury" nonsense.

  • August 25, 2008

    12:06 p.m.

    Suggest removal

    Dynamicdave writes:

    BroncoRick69, yeah, he is being stupid about it. If he wants to throw his career away, that's on him. Stupid is as stupid does.

  • August 25, 2008

    7:48 p.m.

    Suggest removal

    1broncofaninparadise writes:

    I hope he plays. Heck, let him come into town on that gimpy knee and try to avoid our cut blocks. ps. Watch your back Rivers!