Merriman has successful left knee surgery

Published: Sep 15, 2008 at 06:01 PM

SAN DIEGO -- Chargers linebacker Shawne Merriman had surgery to repair two torn ligaments in his left knee on Monday.

The surgery, performed by Dr. John Uribe in the Miami area, repaired Merriman's posterior cruciate and lateral collateral ligaments. Merriman will miss the rest of the season.

The surgery went well and there was no further damage to Merriman's knee, according to a person with knowledge of the situation, who spoke on condition of anonymity because the team hadn't released any information.

Chargers general manager A.J. Smith didn't return a phone call seeking comment.

Merriman tried to play this season with the torn ligaments but announced last week that he would have surgery. He played only in the season opener, a 26-24 loss to Carolina.

Also Monday, NFL spokesman Corry Rush confirmed that Merriman was fined $7,500 for unnecessarily striking Carolina quarterback Jake Delhomme below the knees.

Merriman, a three-time Pro Bowler, had two tackles and no sacks in the Panthers game.

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