NFL Rundown: Shawne Merriman likely out for the season

-On Saturday Shawne Merriman said he has two torn ligaments in his left knee and has been told by doctors that he could suffer a possible career-ending injury if he attempts to play without having surgery. Merriman stated that he has tears in both the posterior cruciate and lateral collateral ligaments. He said doctors agree that he needs surgery to repair the damage. He has not decided on which course of action to take. Merriman will consult with a doctor in Miami early next week before making a decision, Lights Out has been told reconstructive surgery would sideline him for the entire 2008 season. Another option is a less-invasive surgery that would allow him to play at some point in the season. I heard HGH was good for injuries, but all kidding aside this would be a tough injury for the Chargers to overcome on defense. There is not a guy on the Chargers roster that can fill his shoes.

-The Oakland Raiders lost 2 important players against the Arizona Cardinals on Saturday night. Fullback Oren O'neal and wideout Drew Carter both went down with injuries that will probably end their seasons. Both sustained left knee injuries. Drew Carter was battling with Ronald Curry for the starting spot opposite Javon Walker. Oren is a primary blocker on certain run plays and a core special teams player. This was not a good day for the Raiders march towards legitimacy.

-New York Giants Pro Bowl defensive end Osi Umenyiora injured his left knee in the second quarter of the New York Giants’ preseason game against the New York Jets, but coach Tom Coughlin said that early indications are that he did not suffer ligament damage.X-rays taken during the Jets’ 10-7 win were negative. An MRI is planned on Sunday. With Strahan retired, this would be a devastating injury to the Giants defensive line.

-Redskins defensive end Jason Taylor went down with a knee injury on Saturday night against the Panthers.According to Adam Schefter of NFL Network, Taylor suffered no ligament damage. He was examined by Dr. James Andrews, who happened to be at the game. He walked off the field on his own, but he put little pressure on his right leg. The Redskins were dominated by the Panthers 47-3 but its only the preseason. The fact is their defensive line is in terrible shape because they lost two lineman (Alex Busby and Phillip Daniels) the first day of practice. Losing those two lineman is the reason they went out and traded for Taylor. If the Taylor injury is worse then a sprained knee, they could be looking at a very long season.