By PFW staff
Aug. 22, 2008

Chargers LB Shawne Merriman disclosed Thursday that he has ligament damage in his left knee, but there are conflicting reports as to the exact diagnosis of the injury.

According to the San Diego Union-Tribune, Merriman has a torn posterior cruciate ligament. The North County Times is reporting that he has a loose ligament.

Either way, Merriman is trying to get as many professional opinions as possible. After visiting Dr. James Andrews in Alabama on Wednesday, the linebacker saw a different specialist in New York on Thursday. He was considering seeing yet another doctor on Friday.

Merriman reportedly has a few options. He can attempt to play through the pain, have minor surgery that would keep him out for part of this season or undergo reconstructive surgery that would sideline him for all of 2008.

After having cartilage repaired in the same knee this offseason, Merriman has had persistent pain all through training camp. He hasn't practiced since participating in the Chargers' first preseason game on Aug. 9.