Dr. James Andrews is very good at what he does. Which, contrary to popular belief, is to help athletes heal from injuries, not kill their fantasy seasons. But that doesn't mean a star like Shawne Merriman going to visit him is ever going to be considered good news, especially just a few weeks before the season starts.But the Chargers found their linebacker headed Southeast this week instead of practicing.
Merriman missed two more practices Tuesday and wasn't at Chargers Park. He was en route to Alabama to see Dr. James Andrews for what was described by a team official as a "follow-up exam."Of course, since he was already a patient of Dr. A, it's a little better. Maybe. "Persistent knee pain", which is what has Merriman heading to visit Andrews, is a pretty terrifying prospect for an All-Pro linebacker on a team with Super Bowl aspirations, even if the Chargers are qualifying it as a follow up.
It was Andrews who repaired cartilage damage in Merriman's left knee five months ago. Merriman isn't expected back to Chargers Park until Thursday.
Steroid user (not even alleged!) or not, Merriman is what makes the Chargers defense click, and if he's not a full strength, well, that's not going to be good for anyone. Of course, it's still to early to totally panic on his season, particularly if he gets a good report from Andrews, but it's still an ominous sign.
Via MDS at PFT
