Knee Surgery Possible For S. Merriman

Chargers linebacker Shawne Merriman is scheduled to return to San Diego today after having his left knee examined in Birmingham this week by orthopedist James Andrews.

Coach Norv Turner is expressing optimism that Merriman will be the Chargers' season-opening lineup. But that doesn't appear to be a sure thing.

Merriman told the North County Times in an e-mail that he is suffering from "a loose ligament" and is "waiting to get more info on what I need to do." He told the San Diego Union-Tribune in a telephone interview that he has a torn posterior cruciate ligament among other issues and his options include everything from forgoing surgery to undergoing a relatively minor surgery to undergoing season-ending reconstructive surgery.

"It's finding out what do I need to fix, what I need to do," the University of Maryland product told the Union-Tribune. "If it's left up to me, I want to play football. I can't stand sitting out."

According to the Union-Tribune, Merriman was examined by another specialist in New York on Thursday and could consult with another doctor in Miami before returning to San Diego.

By Mark Maske |  August 22, 2008; 10:05 AM ET  | Category:  Chargers
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