Bills coach Chan Gailey said at his season-ending press conference that he expects OLB Shawne Merriman back for 2012. Merriman's season was ended in October by an Achilles injury, and the former chemically-enhanced All Pro has appeared in only 23 games since 2007. He's under contract for 2012, however, so the Bills appear ready to see if they can get anything out of "Lights Out" before turning the lights out.

Bills OLB Shawne Merriman (Achilles, injured reserve) has confirmed he'll undergo surgery to prevent his ailing Achilles' tendon from 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 said in a statement. Limited to just 23 games the past four seasons, Merriman has tallied only five sacks in the process. It's possible the lights have gone out on Lights Out's career.

Bills placed OLB Shawne Merriman (Achilles) on injured reserve, ending his season.

Bills OLB Shawne Merriman (Achilles) is not expected to return in Week 8. Merriman's injury is worse than originally believed. "He's not making the progress we had hoped right now," coach Chan Gailey said. The Bills won't really miss Merriman, who has one sack and nine tackles in five games this season.

Bills OLB Shawne Merriman (Achilles) says he'll be ready to return following Buffalo's Week 7 bye. Merriman was inactive for Sunday's loss to the Giants. Merriman's injury is mostly a concern because fellow OLB Chris Kelsay is out indefinitely with a strained calf. The man formerly known as "Lights Out" has been a non-factor this season, registering just nine tackles and one sack in five games.

The Bills are unsure of how long OLB Shawne Merriman's ailing Achilles may hold him out. "We've got a bye week after (Sunday's game against the Giants)," HC Chan Gailey said Friday. "We'll see what happens." Already limited by a shoulder injury before his long troublesome Achilles acted up Thursday, Merriman has recorded only nine tackles and one sack in five games. He's off the radar in IDP leagues.

Bills OLB Shawne Merriman (Achilles) has been downgraded to out for Week 6. It could be a blessing in disguise for the Bills, who now have a reason to give more snaps to OLB Arthur Moats. Moats was a handful in Buffalo's Week 5 win over the Eagles, and has arguably been the team's most effective pass rusher this season. Merriman has mostly been a non-factor, notching just nine tackles and one sack.

Bills OLB Shawne Merriman is listed as doubtful for Week 6 with an Achilles' injury. A declining player, Merriman has nine tackles and just one sack through five games, so his absence won't be felt much. Arthur Moats deserves more snaps, anyway, after bringing a ton of pressure in last week's win over the Eagles. Buffalo's starting OLBs against the Giants figure to be Moats and Danny Batten.

Bills OLB Shawne Merriman was "handled easily" by the Raiders' pass protection in Sunday's comeback win. Merriman has five tackles and no sacks through two games. NFL Network's Mike Lombardi observed that Merriman "does not show the power he once had," and his explosive burst was already long gone. With Arthur Moats back healthy, the Bills would be smart to decrease Merriman's playing time going forward.

Shawne Merriman missed only a few plays after leaving Sunday's win over the Chiefs with a shoulder injury. Merriman went to the locker room toward the end of the first quarter, but quickly returned after having his shoulder wrapped. Merriman, who has missed 30 games with injury the past three seasons, finished his day with just one tackle.