Denying reports that he could be risking a career-threatening knee injury, San Diego Chargers linebacker Shawne Merriman has decided to play this season.
Merriman, 24, who reached the Pro Bowl in each of his three seasons, has consulted with five specialists around the country who reportedly have recommended he sit out the season and undergo surgery to repair damage to his posterior cruciate and lateral collateral ligaments.
"To be as simple as possible, I just want to play football," Merriman said. "That's what it comes down to. I know what's on the table, I know what's on the line. I put a lot of work in this and I want to play."
The Chargers, who cleared Merriman to play before training camp, had held out hope that he could play this season.
NFL teams are required to trim their rosters to 53 players this weekend, so the availability of Merriman was an issue.
According to orthopedic surgeon Dr. Neal ElAttrache, who is not one of Merriman's doctors, the injury should not have much of an effect on the linebacker's ability to run straight ahead. Merriman might encounter problems, however, in moving backward or from side to side.
As for whether Merriman is likely to cause further damage to his knee by playing this season, ElAttrache said: "The die to a large degree is probably cast. So him trying to play an extra season is not going to change much."
While denying reports the situation could be career-threatening, the linebacker pledged to be "the same old Shawne Merriman. That's what I'm hoping."
-- Sam Farmer
Lofa Tatupu has a bone bruise in his right knee, but Seattle Coach Mike Holmgren said the Pro Bowl linebacker will be fine for the season opener Sept. 7 at Buffalo.
Defensive end Derrick Harvey ended a 33-day holdout by signing a five-year, $23.8-million contract with the Jacksonville Jaguars.
PRO BASKETBALL
Warriors' Ellis sidelined
Golden State guard Monta Ellis will be sidelined for at least three months after severely spraining his ankle during a workout, forcing the Warriors to start the season without the player expected to lead their revamped roster this fall.
Ellis, who got a six-year contract extension worth $66 million July 24, sprained his ankle and tore a deltoid ligament while working out in his hometown of Jackson, Miss., last Thursday, said Chris Mullin, the Warriors' top basketball executive.
The Lakers signed Joe Crawford, their second-round draft pick.
