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Pro Bowl linebacker Shawne Merriman traveled to Birmingham, Alabama on Wednesday so famed surgeon Dr. James Andrews could examine his right knee, according to the San Diego Union-Tribune.

Merriman has not practiced in more than a week. The newspaper reported sources close to the three-time Pro Bowler claimed he is having trouble getting rid of the pain in the surgically repaired knee.

Merriman took a helmet to the knee earlier this month. He did not play in Saturday’s preseason game against the St. Louis Rams.

Shawne Merriman said on Thursday night that he has ligament damage in his knee and is weighing his options, according to The Associated Press.

The trouble is "a loose ligament and [I'm] waiting to get more info on what I need to do," Merriman said.

Merriman underwent surgery five months ago to repair cartilage damage in the knee, but has had persistent pain ever since.

Coach Norv Turner is hoping that Merriman will be able to play in the team's season opener.

Shawne Merriman returned to San Diego on Saturday with some troubling news on his injured knee.

The star linebacker says he has a torn lateral collateral ligament in his left knee to go along with the torn posterior cruciate ligament previously reported, according to the San Diego Union-Tribune.

Merriman said doctors agree that he needs surgery to repair the damage.

"It could be career-threatening if I did (play)," he said. "It's a possibility. That possibility is still open."

A course of action has not been decided. Merriman, who will consult with a doctor in Miami early next week before making a decision, has been told reconstructive surgery would sideline him for the entire 2008 season. Another option is a less-invasive surgery that would allow him to play at some point in the season.

If the ligament is severely torn, he'll undergo season-ending knee surgery. If the tear isn't significant, Merriman could play through the pain and be ready for Week 1 against the Carolina Panthers on Sept. 7.

"That's first and foremost," Merriman said. "That's what I want to do. That's why this decision is even out there still and not already made, because I want to play, period. 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."

Pro Bowl defensive end Shawne Merriman has informed the team that he will play this season despite having two torn knee ligaments.

"I know what's at stake," Merriman said Wednesday. "But I had a goal with the team before the season started, and I'm sticking to it."

When asked how sure he was about playing, Merriman replied, "100 percent."

Merriman has a torn PCL and LCL in his left knee, but has postponed the surgery necessary to deal with those issues. He sought the opinion of several noted specialists in the last week. While all of them recommended surgery, the decision was ultimately left to the player.

"I'm putting the surgery off until I need it," he said.

BlackMamba wrote:oh man... i prefer him to miss this season that to miss his entire career.