Shawne Merriman Has Torn Ligaments

National Football League Blogcast, NFL Blogcast

San Diego Chargers Pro Bowl linebacker Shawne Merriman made it public that he has two torn ligaments (PCL and LCL) 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. But apparently Shawne’s been playing on the bum knee since last season so he’s actually considering continuing to play on it:

“It could be career-threatening if I did (play). It’s a possibility. That possibility is still open. They’ve all said the same things about the injury. (They’re) kind of surprised that I’ve been playing with it up to this point ….. 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.”

Actually, it’s more like three options and two are crazy to consider:

1. Reconstructive surgery will take care of the problem but sideline him for the 2008 season.
2. Less-invasive surgery would temporarily fix the problem and allow him to play at some point during the 2008 season.
3. No surgery would allow him to continue playing but threaten his career.

If you ask me, the first option is the only option. Shawne is still a very young player (he’s only 24-years-old). Why would he risk his entire NFL career on this one season? It’s completely unconscionable that he would even consider it. And why would he go with a temporary fix just to play part of this season? I admire his intense desire to play, but he’s got to pull back at this point. Shawne should get the surgery done, start rehabbing and get ready to have a great 2009 season — and beyond.

Source: NFL.com, Photo: Newscom