Chargers' Merriman has knee ligament damage, pondering options

Chargers' Merriman has knee ligament damage, pondering options


NFL.com Wire Reports

SAN DIEGO -- Chargers linebacker Shawne Merriman, who has missed more than a week of practice because of a sore left knee, said he has ligament damage and is evaluating his options, including the possibility of undergoing season-ending reconstructive surgery.
The trouble is "a loose ligament and (I'm) waiting to get more info on what I need to do," Merriman said in an e-mail to the North County Times on Thursday night.

Shawne Merriman, LB
Career Statistics:
Seasons: 4
Games/starts: 42/37
Sacks: 39.5


Merriman told the San Diego Union Tribune he has a torn posterior cruciate ligament in his left knee.
The All-Pro linebacker underwent surgery to repair cartilage damage five months ago but has had persistent pain in the knee during training camp. He traveled this week to Birmingham, Ala., so the knee could be examined by Dr. James Andrews, who performed the operation.
The Union-Tribune reported that Merriman was in New York on Thursday to see another specialist and was considering seeing a third on Friday to determine when or if he would play this season.
Merriman last played in the Aug. 9 preseason opener against Dallas and has not practiced since then.
"It's finding out what do I need to fix, what I need to do," Merriman told the Union-Tribune. "If it's left up to me, I want to play football. I can't stand sitting out."
Chargers coach Norv Turner said he hoped Merriman will be able to play on Sept. 7 when the Chargers open their regular season against the Carolina Panthers.
"I think he can be close to 100 percent and get back with some real good rehab work," Turner said. "He's been doing a great job with it and I think he just needs some more time right now."
The Associated Press contributed to this story.