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First Tom Brady. Now Shawne Merriman.

San Diego's three-time Pro Bowl linebacker has elected to have season-surgery to repair torn ligaments in his left knee, FOXSports.com has learned. Several Chargers players have said that their Pro Bowl teammate has informed them of the decision.

Several calls left for Merriman have not yet been returned.

Merriman had reportedly been told by four different doctors that reconstructive surgery would be needed. Instead, the fourth-year All-Pro opted to play in Sunday's opener against the Panthers in order to test the knee.

Immediately after Sunday's game, Merriman told FOXSports.com the knee was pretty sore, but otherwise felt OK. He gave no indication at that time that he would elect to go this route.