The Chargers' goal is to reach the Super Bowl. But that road to Tampa, Fla., might be little tougher with gimpy linebacker Shawne Merriman deciding to play.
Merriman, the three-time Pro Bowler, has made the decision to forge ahead, despite two torn ligaments in his left knee.
"To be as simple as possible, I just want to play football," Merriman said. "That's what it comes down to. I know what's on the table, I know what's on the line. I put a lot of work in this and I want to play."
Whether Merriman was aboard or not, the Chargers' aim is still reaching the second Super Bowl in franchise history.
"Fans stop me a lot and ask me about the Super Bowl," quarterback Philip Rivers said.