Merriman opts for knee surgery after painful opener
San Diego Chargers09/10/2008 8:15 AM The San Diego union-Tribune reports in a decision that was shocking only because of the way he played two days earlier, Chargers LB Shawne Merriman Tuesday decided he can play no more in his current condition. General Manager A.J. Smith said Merriman informed him Tuesday he will undergo surgery to reconstruct the torn ligaments in his left knee. “He walked in and said it didn't feel right and he was going to shut it down,” Smith said. Merriman will be placed on injured reserve and miss the remainder of the season. He is expected to return in time for the start of the 2009 season, which is his final one under contract with the Chargers. Read more