Pro Bowl linebacker Shawne Merriman will forgo knee surgery and play this season for the San Diego Chargers despite the fact he has two torn ligaments in his left knee.
“I’m going to play,” Merriman texted the San Diego Union-Tribune. “I’ll deal with it when it’s time to get surgery.”
Merriman said Saturday that he 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.
The Chargers open the regular season Sept. 7 against the Carolina Panthers.
Merriman has made the Pro Bowl in each of his three NFL seasons. He has 39½ sacks in that span, more than any other NFL player.
Credit: ESPN
