Thanks to a sudden flare-up in his Achilles that occurred Thursday, Buffalo Bills outside linebacker Shawne Merriman has been listed as doubtful for Sunday's game against the New York Giants. Merriman, who has recorded a sack in each of the Bills' last two games, will likely be missing his first game of the season.
Merriman's injury is a blow - one doubled up by the fact that fellow starting pass rusher Chris Kelsay (calf) has been ruled out. Danny Batten and Arthur Moats are likely to see plenty of playing time on Sunday, with Spencer Johnson rotating in.
Two more defenders are listed as questionable: nose tackle Kyle Williams (foot) will be a game-time decision, while inside linebacker Nick Barnett (ankle) is expected to play, but was limited in practice for the past two days. Rookie safety Da'Norris Searcy (ankle) is also questionable, but his outlook is not as strong.
Donald Jones (ankle), Demetrius Bell (shoulder) and Aaron Williams (chest) have all been ruled out. Andy Levitre (knee), Torell Troup (back) and Chris White (hamstring) are all probable.