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Shawne Merriman is going to play football on a bumb knee. (AP Images)

Every doctor has told him he needs surgery or he'll be risking his NFL career, but Shawne Merriman still plans on playing in 2008.

"I know what's at stake," Merriman said Wednesday. "But I had a goal with the team before the season started, and I'm sticking to it."

Merriman has a torn PCL and LCL in his left knee and is risking damaging his knee beyond repair by playing on it. Regarldess he has decided to wait until the end of the year to have surgery.

"It could be career-threatening if I did (play)," Merriman told The Associated Press. "It's a possibility. That possibility is still open."

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