Wow.


San Diego Chargers linebacker Shawne Merriman informed the team on Wednesday that he will forgo surgery on his knee and play this season with two torn knee ligaments.

Debating whether to have reconstructive surgery, Merriman had sought the opinions of doctors since revealing he had torn posterior cruciate and lateral collateral ligaments in his left knee. He has been told by several orthopedics that he could suffer a possible career-ending injury if he attempted to play without having surgery.

"I'm going to play," Merriman said on Wednesday via text message to the San Diego Union-Tribune. "I'll deal with it when it's time to get surgery."

According to NFL Network's Adam Schefter, Merriman's contract has a maximum escalator of $4.4 million in 2009 -- the final season of his original five-year deal. He has earned $2.85 million so far, and this year he could earn the remaining $1.55 million if he makes the Pro Bowl again.

Merriman, 24, left the Chargers to consult with specialists from outside the organization over the past week, visiting with, among others, renowned orthopedic surgeon James Andrews in Birmingham, Ala. In all, the Union-Tribune reported, Merriman saw five orthopedic specialists in a cross-country tour. He has been told that reconstructive surgery would sideline him for the entire 2008 season.

Chargers coach Norv Turner has remained optimistic that Merriman, who was cleared by the team to practice during training camp, will be able to play this season. He played in the preseason opener against the Dallas Cowboys on Aug. 9, but did not play in the team's last two games.

The Chargers open the regular season Sept. 7 against the Carolina Panthers.

A three-time Pro Bowl selection, Merriman has recorded 39.5 sacks over the last three seasons, more than any other NFL player during that span.

Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.

-- Edited by IronMan at 17:44, 2008-08-27