Just hours after the Buffalo Bills announced they were placing Shawne Merriman on injured reserve due to an Achilles flare up two weeks ago, the veteran linebacker painted a clearer picture as to why the injury, which he initially termed "minor," was season ending.
Merriman issued a statement in which he confirmed that he would be undergoing surgery on his Achilles tendon, which has robbed him of his trademark burst the past two years.
"Due to the fact that I have recently been experiencing excessive aggravation in my Achilles tendon, which is a limitation that I have been dealing with for well over two years now, I sought the opinions of multiple medical specialists," said Merriman. "After much consideration and unanimous professional recommendations stating that my Achilles is in danger of rupturing, I have been advised that it would be in my best interest to undergo surgery as soon as possible in order to prevent a major injury."
Merriman worked with Buffalo's physicians and athletic trainers all offseason in an exhaustive rehabilitation effort to rid him of his chronic Achilles problems, even turning to shockwave therapy.
While it allowed Merriman to return to the field, the Achilles just wasn't able to withstand the physical demands of football. So in a proactive effort Merriman is taking care of a nagging persistent problem instead of a major one down the road.
Merriman closed his statement by expressing his gratitude for the patience and well wishes provided by his fans.
"I would like to thank all of my fans for their continued support on my road to a full recovery and am looking forward to getting back out on the field."
The Bills linebacker is under contract through the 2012 season, but no details yet as to how long Merriman's recovery from surgery might take or the exact date for surgery.
