SAN DIEGO -- Chargers linebacker Shawne Merriman said Saturday he has two torn ligaments in his ailing left knee and has been told by doctors that he could suffer a possible career-ending injury if he attempts to play without undergoing surgery.

Merriman said he has tears in both the posterior cruciate and lateral collateral ligaments and that every doctor he saw earlier this week suggested surgery. What has yet to be determined is whether Merriman needs only minor surgery that would allow him to play at some point this season or major reconstructive surgery. The latter would sideline him for the entire 2008 season.

Merriman said he will consult with a doctor in Miami early next week and then make a decision.

"I've been seeing some really great doctors over the past few days and they've all said the same things about the injury," Merriman said. "(They're) kind of surprised that I've been playing with it up to this point."

Merriman said his desire is to play football this season.

"That's first and foremost," Merriman said. "That's what I want to do. That's why this decision is even out there still and not already made, because I want to play, period. The question is what should I do? How long should I play with it?

"It's a thousand different options at this point and I'm just trying to make the best one."