Chargers linebacker Shawne Merriman has decided to begin the season despite two torn ligaments in his left knee, he said this morning.

Previous stories Merriman visits another specialist (Aug. 27, 2008) Merriman's knee injury worse than feared (Aug. 25, 2008)

“I'm going to play,” Merriman said via text message to the Union-Tribune. “I'll deal with it when it's time to get surgery.”

Merriman, who returned from South Florida on Tuesday night, has decided against the recommendations of doctors to forego reconstructive surgery on the posterior cruciate and lateral collateral ligaments. Those doctors also told him he could play but that he risks what he described as “career-threatening” injury if he does.

The Chargers always have been optimistic Merriman would play. He was medically cleared by the team before training camp.

Merriman, 24, has been to the Pro Bowl in each of his three NFL seasons. He embarked on a national tour to see orthopedists in the past week, the final stop being Coral Gables, Fla., on Monday and Tuesday. The specialist there was his fifth opinion, counting the Chargers.

None of these specialists told Merriman of any new injury, but they provided recommendations independent of the team. According to sources, all the doctors he saw in the past nine days could not believe he was still playing. They said the best course of action long-term was for him to have the ligaments reconstructed.

Merriman, whose contract with the Chargers expires after 2009, faces that surgery at some point, even if he were to make it through this season. He also has been told he should not be surprised if he can't play at the level to which he is accustomed.

The Chargers open the season Sept. 7 against the Carolina Panthers at Qualcomm Stadium.

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Kevin Acee: (619) 293-1857; kevin.acee@uniontrib.com