Posted by ESPN.com's Bill Williamson
 |
| Merriman |
Shawne Merriman's decision to change course and listen to the four knee specialists and have season-ending reconstructive surgery is not surprising.
Merriman gave it his best effort and it didn't work. Merriman needed to prove to himself he couldn't play with the injury. Apparently, it took one game to acquire proof.
Merriman said often last month when he decided to try to play through the injury, he knew the consequences and the long odds against him. Yet, he wanted to try and help the team.
It didn't work out. Merriman, who played decently in San Diego's shocking 26-24 loss to Carolina on Sunday, had to leave the game late in the second quarter while the Chargers were on defense. He blamed his departure on the knee brace he was wearing. After the game, Merriman said he was feeling pretty well and didn't think his left knee hampered him.
Merriman clearly felt differently soon after and made the decision that he likely should have made two weeks ago.
Merriman should be commended for attempting to play. He likely will be back in 2009, the final year of his contract with San Diego. He gave it a shot for the team and it just didn't work out. Most importantly, Merriman now heads to surgery knowing he did everything he could before succumbing to the inevitable.
Williamson joined ESPN.com in 2008 after four seasons covering the Denver Broncos for the Denver Post. He previously covered the Minnesota Vikings, Green Bay Packers and Seattle Seahawks.
