Chargers LB Merriman undergoes surgery

Sep 17, 2008 - 12:18 AM SAN DIEGO (Ticker) -- San Diego Chargers linebacker Shawne Merriman underwent successful surgery to repair two torn ligaments in his left knee, the team announced Tuesday.

The procedure to repair both the posterior cruciate ligament and lateral collateral ligament was performed by Dr. John Uribe and Dr. John Zvijac in Coral Gables, Florida.

It is quite a turnaround for the 24-year-old Merriman, who was insistent on playing this season despite numerous doctors advising him to have surgery.

A Pro Bowler in each of his first three seasons, Merriman gave it a go in last Sunday's season-opening loss to the Carolina Panthers, but was limited to one tackle and assisted on another. That clinched his decision to have the knee repaired.

He was placed on injured reserve on Wednesday, ending his season.

Nicknamed "Lights Out" for his ferocious hitting style, Merriman tied for sixth in the NFL with 12 1/2 sacks last season and has 39 1/2 in his first three seasons - the most in the NFL in that span.

Merriman is eligible to become a free agent after the 2009 season, which made his decision to risk further injury even more perplexing. Although several doctors had recommended that Merriman undergo reconstructive surgery, and said that he was risking a "career-threatening" injury if he continued to play, Merriman initially balked at sitting out the season.

Since he was initially diagnosed with his injury, Merriman embarked on a national tour to see orthopedists. He received five opinions on the knee, counting one by team doctors. All recommended he have surgery.

A first-round pick - No. 12 overall - of San Diego in 2005, Merriman burst onto the NFL scene with 10 sacks in his rookie season. The 6-4, 272-pounder emerged as a dominant force the following season, racking up 17 sacks despite missing four games due to a violation of the league's steroid policy.