Merriman will skip knee surgery and try to play in 2008

It looked the same to everyone watching. There was no way Shawne Merriman was going to play football in 2008. With tears in both the posterior cruciate and lateral collateral ligaments, the sensible thing for Merriman appeared to be to just get the surgery and live to play another day. Merriman apparently doesn't see it this way. After visiting his 4th doctor, Merriman has said that he will play football in 2008 and just deal with the injury. When he does eventually have the surgery, he'll be looking at a rehab of 6-7 months. It's obvious Merriman feels that the Chargers can win the championship this season and he is willing to sacrifice the long term to be a part of it.

I understand that he wants to get out there and play and I respect that...but at what cost? There is no way he can be the real Shawne Merriman playing with that kind of injury. I can't see how Merriman playing on one leg is good for him or his teammates. Personally, I think he will be forced to get the surgery sooner rather than later. I predict he will play a few games and then opt for the operation. The team will be fine either way. The Chargers survived 4 games in 2006 without Merriman when he was suspended for violating the leagues substance abuse policy after testing positive for steroids. Hey, don't steroids cause ligament damage?

Fantasy Impact: With or without Merriman, the Chargers still have a hell of a defense and they will still get their sacks and turnovers. Combine that with the fact that they play in a weak division makes the Chargers a top 5 fantasy D in my mind.