National Football League

Bills without Merriman against Giants

Published Oct. 15, 2011 1:00 a.m. ET

foxsports

Buffalo Bills starting outside linebacker Shawne Merriman won't play in Sunday's game at the New York Giants because of an Achilles' tendon injury.

Merriman's Achilles flared up during Thursday's practice, and he was held out of Friday's practice altogether.

Merriman said Friday he didn't think the injury was significant. The Bills will have their bye next week, giving him an additional week to heal.

Merriman finished last season on injured reserve because of a nagging injury to his right tendon.

With both Merriman and Chris Kelsay (calf) out, the Bills will be down to two healthy outside linebackers - Danny Batten and Arthur Moats. Defensive lineman Spencer Johnson will also be available to fill in after working with the outside linebackers on Friday.