Everett, Wash.
Published: Sunday, August 24, 2008

NFL NOTEBOOK: Chargers' Merriman has two torn ligaments

Associated Press

 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.

Notes

BUCCANEERS: Tampa Bay linebacker Antoine Cash was carted off the field with a neck injury in a preseason game against Jacksonville but had movement in his extremities. Cash dived and collided with a teammate making a tackle during the fourth quarter. Cash was taken to a hospital for precautionary tests.

TEXANS: Injured Houston receiver Harry Williams will have surgery today to repair a neck vertebra he fractured during a preseason game Friday night. Williams was taken off the field on a stretcher and an ambulance took him to Presbyterian Hospital in Dallas. Team doctor Walter Lowe said early Saturday morning that Williams had regained feeling in his extremities and most of his normal neurological function.

RAVENS: Baltimore quarterback Troy Smith missed a start in Saturday's preseason game against the Rams because of a viral illness. Smith is battling incumbent Kyle Boller for the starting spot.

REDSKINS: Washington offensive line coach Joe Bugel worked Saturday's preseason game against Carolina, two days after his daughter died from a rare form of bone cancer. A team spokesman said a private funeral was held for Holly Bugel on Friday in Arizona.
© 2009The Daily Herald Co., Everett, WA