Merriman done for the season
Kevin Acee (Contact)
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
Shawne Merriman has decided he can play no more.
Merriman was not immediately available for comment but informed the team today he will undergo surgery immediately to repair the torn ligaments in his left knee.
Merriman played in Sunday's season opener and played well. He was particularly exceptional on the Panthers' final drive. Even as Jake Delhomme got rid of the ball quickly, Merriman had three hurries in a span of nine passes.
“Shawne informed me he did not feel right (on the field) and thought it best to shut it down,” Chargers General Manager A.J. Smith said in a statement released by the team. “The road to winning the AFC West just got more difficult, but not impossible. Nothing is impossible. Shawne is a great player and an inspirational leader. He will be missed. We wish him a successful surgery and a speedy recovery.”