Bills vs. Giants Injury Report: Shawne Merriman Doubtful

by Brian Galliford on Oct 14, 2011 1:05 PM EDT in Buffalo Bills News

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.

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I suggest

I suggest the Bills sit Williams this week, he has not played up to standards because of a nagging foot injury. Giving him two weeks to heal might just be what the doctored ordered. Merriman hurt his shoulder earlier when fell on and hasn’t been the same since. Sit them, Bills have to playing for the season here. The bye week is coming at the perfect time. Lot of ankle injuries this wonder if it has something to do with the new turf.

by Coach Bob on Oct 14, 2011 1:12 PM EDT reply actions

Tough Call

If Kyle can play let him. We are already down two out of four true OLBs. Johnson (and maybe Carrington) will see time outside as a result. If that happens, that leaves just four defensive linemen (Dareus, Heard, Edwards and Carrington) ready to play. Odds are with Troup out, Dareus moves in at nose tackle with Carrington and Edwards at the ends, Heard backing up. Kyle will play but will be limited.

As for Kyle’s ankle, he probably tweaked it at Soldiers Field (worst field in the league)

by DynamicHero22 on Oct 14, 2011 2:10 PM EDT up reply actions

troup will be starting if williams can't go..

by Bestbillieve86 on Oct 15, 2011 12:26 AM EDT up reply actions

3 wks.....

PodunkO - The great post ender!

by podunkowego on Oct 14, 2011 3:34 PM EDT up reply actions

With Merriman Out?

Will this force us more to the 4-3 allignment. I know that Williams and Troup are less than 100%. I guess we should really wait to see who is active and who is not.

This flare up could be a long thing too. Time will tell, having two to three weeks to rest it will be great but the achillies is known for being longer than a week or two, depending on the severity.

YOU ARE OUT of you kuku fufu mine craker laker Flaber baber FUNKI chunki brain. WE want to winn every year -- abayarde

by VanScottM on Oct 14, 2011 1:12 PM EDT reply actions

Thank God for the bye week

This matchup will be a lot more difficult on defense than we’d like because of all these injuries. It’s not farfetched to see the Bills losing this one. But 4-2 at the bye is nothing terrible, and then we’ll have two weeks to rest.
Still, I’d like to see any Bills who aren’t in danger of making their injuries worse at least try to tough it out for a few series on Sunday to help preserve the W.

"Give a monkey a typewriter and infinite time, and he’ll eventually release Maybin." - stetzwebs

by DanRoc on Oct 14, 2011 1:15 PM EDT reply actions

True

I don’t think this will force them into a 4-3. Dareus to the nose, Batten and Moats at OLB. I don’t think they will lose that much.

by Coach Bob on Oct 14, 2011 1:17 PM EDT reply actions

Just score baby score!

by Coach Bob on Oct 14, 2011 1:18 PM EDT up reply actions

Limping into the bye

… but I guess it’s better than a wave of IR’s.
At least all of them seem to be coming back immediately after the bye.

Injuries will have a lot to do with which teams make the playoffs. A availability few key players will make the difference.

by zipper on Oct 14, 2011 1:19 PM EDT reply actions

Glad we have depth at OLB

Wait, derrrrrp. Talked all offseason about the need to add other pieces behind Merriman due to his fragility. At least Moats returned to OLB a few weeks back…

I don’t know how the Bills will get pressure this week (or any week for that matter), but it might be wise to employ a similar game plan as last week against Vick. Blitz Eli with guys like Wilson, Corner, Barnett, whoever because there may be no other way to pressure him. Get pressure on Eli and the mistakes will mount. Give him time and Nicks, Cruz and Manningham will eat us alive. Nicks alone will punish the Bills’ secondary, especially if Leo covers him.

As they have all year, the Bills may have to hope this is a shootout with Eli making some mistakes, and the opportunistic secondary taking advantage of them. With such a battered and weak front 7, Ahmad Bradshaw will get plenty of chances to run it. We need some of the young guys to step up and make some plays…Dareus, Moats, Batten, Sheppard.

~K
"As the governor of Louisiana once said, the only way Chris Kelsay can lose his job is if he got caught in bed with a dead girl or a live boy."

by Kurupt on Oct 14, 2011 1:22 PM EDT reply actions

I think this hurts the BIlls’ run D more than the pass D.

Give a monkey a typewriter and infinite time, and he’ll eventually release Maybin. -- stetzwebs
No one circles the waiver wire like the Buffalo Bills!

by thefourwinds on Oct 14, 2011 1:55 PM EDT up reply actions

Agreed

I’m less worried about a drop-off in pass-rush as a dropp-off in contain. Carrington might need to take one of those OLB slots for the week.

I have low expectations. But high hopes.

by greysquirrel on Oct 14, 2011 2:16 PM EDT up reply actions

Yep

I think Merriman has done a very good job setting the edge for us this year.

Now, we have to hope Moats has improved that part of his game.

"I got no problem with 7-9 coming off of 4-12 as long as I don't buy a couch there, you got to keep moving" - Mike Schoop

by lonestar_ak on Oct 14, 2011 3:37 PM EDT up reply actions

Sit them all.....let the kids play this month

While all wins are important, winning the AFC East might be our best chance at getting into the playoffs. We play 3 out of 4 games in November vs AFC East Opponents, the Jets twice and the Fins . Let’s focus on getting healthy for November and giving our young players some much needed experience. If the Bills are going to make a playoff push, they are going to need the old guys healthy and the young kids to have some snaps under their belts.

Don't fear the Reaper......fear The Beard

If you ask a question you don't want an answer to, expect an answer you don't want to hear.

by Joe P. on Oct 14, 2011 1:26 PM EDT reply actions 2 recs

All games are not equal

We play 3 out of 4 games in November vs AFC East Opponents

Well said Joe P. Sure wins are important, but I would try to get us as healthy as possible for Nov divisional games and would definitely sit Williams this week regardless if he says he can go or not. Let Batten and Moats get more experience. I think the bigger issue will be the offensive line going up against a banged up but still solid D line. If we can score 27, I like us winning 27-24.

by AlwaysaBillinPhilly on Oct 14, 2011 4:19 PM EDT up reply actions

I don’t think the franchise can or should take the NHL approach. Losing a string of games (which may become fact if they rest the bulk of their starters) destroys momentum and the season is short. I agree with resting players that are hurt and risking season-long issues (Merriman, for example), and also if you’re a team only playing for accolades (The Indianapolis Peyton Mannings).

"Go check on the ribs!"

by TheAfghanTwilight on Oct 15, 2011 9:18 AM EDT up reply actions

Going to have to out of necessity.

by Coach Bob on Oct 14, 2011 1:27 PM EDT reply actions

damn.

"WE PROTECT AND LIVE FOR THE HONOR OF RIDING IN THE WAGON BLASTER" -abayarde

by BuffaloBlueBlood on Oct 14, 2011 1:40 PM EDT via mobile reply actions

Merriman is only credited with one sack.

Merriman, who has recorded a sack in each of the Bills’ last two games

They took away the Philly sack. In a very related matter, I started the Bills D/ST last week and won my fantasy matchup by a little less than a point. I was 4-1 on Tuesday. On Wednesday I was 3-2. >.<

by NordicBillsfan on Oct 14, 2011 1:43 PM EDT reply actions

I don’t know if i’ve ever seen that situation happen. That’s not fun, I can imagine.

"Go check on the ribs!"

by TheAfghanTwilight on Oct 15, 2011 9:19 AM EDT up reply actions

Not a great sign but

I would love to see Moats and Shep get some more action. I think we obviously take a hit w/o Merriman, but he hasn’t been an every down guy right now, and subbing in Moats shouldn’t hurt us too much. Excited for his opportunity. I think both these guys can be great (moats and shep)

by csc06258 on Oct 14, 2011 1:44 PM EDT reply actions

Expect the Giants to crank up the running game

Moats was horrid in run defense last year. Haven’t seen Batten enough to know whether he can hold the fort. Spencer Johnson at starting DE doesn’t inspire confidence either.

by Rick A on Oct 14, 2011 2:10 PM EDT reply actions

Go BiLLS !

Has anyon seen Dave Wansted on the sidelines at all?

by SpiderWeb Sleeves on Oct 14, 2011 2:13 PM EDT via mobile reply actions

he’s in the coaches booth

11 years of losing has taught me just a smidge of humility. - k8

by J2 on Oct 14, 2011 2:15 PM EDT up reply actions

Injuries!

Could be a blessing in diguies. It just may be the perfect time for some of our backups and younger players to get some fulltime playing expirence. Now we dont have to have that debate about who should play Moats or Batten, also when we first got Dareus one of his best assets was suppose to be his verseativity, and we do have Heard. This game will tell if we are a playoff team or not because injuries happens but this year it appears we ready for them with good players who are hungery for there turn to show that they can be counted. I know the national media and sports ( nfl ) fans dont think the Bills are for real and are looking for any excuse to say they are done, but these Bills are different and I guess this is the game to prove it.

by atsnigduh2u on Oct 14, 2011 2:31 PM EDT reply actions

A tough game to lose starters

Giants like to play smash mouth football with Bradshaw and Jacobs, the Bills need all hands on deck to control running game. The injuries will bring opportunities for the younger players to step up and shine. It will be tough since the Giants got their butts handed to them in the Seattle game.

Is it me or does it seem like Tom Coughlin looks like he has just bit into a turd every time they show him on the sidelines?

"You tell 'em I'M coming... and HELL'S coming with me, you hear?... "

Wyatt Earp

by Goose22 on Oct 14, 2011 3:25 PM EDT reply actions

Jacobs

Look like he’s out this week. And, Snee and the starting center, FWIW…

"Fred Jackson has the power to run over linebackers and the agility to dance on their pancaked corpses." ...Munchausen

by brownbag11 on Oct 14, 2011 11:33 PM EDT up reply actions

while merriman hasn’t had the explosiveness we’d hoped for to bolster our pass rush, he has been very solid with contain on the edge from what i’ve noticed.

i’m very excited to see moats back at olb but expect them to test him out early with some end-arounds.

so is carrington going to be starting in kelsay’s spot and moats in merriman’s? anyone got an idea where they’ll all be lining up?

by beatlebum on Oct 14, 2011 3:29 PM EDT reply actions

good thing.....

our starters at OLB are only fair to midland….
See!
If we had good pass-rushers, now, we would be screwed ; )
We’ll be fine!
fine!
Everything is just fine!

Go Bills!

PodunkO - The great post ender!

by podunkowego on Oct 14, 2011 3:43 PM EDT reply actions

I do not know many teams that if they lost both starting olbs that have two great back ups waiting in the wings.

"This is a chance to shine some light on the city, They say it’s too cold. I’m going to bring some warmth to it." Marcell Dareus

by matthew62 on Oct 14, 2011 3:49 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions

bryan scott

will be on the field alot……

the hybrid will be in overdrive this weekend

by simonpure on Oct 14, 2011 4:10 PM EDT reply actions

I agree

And/or maybe we see some 4-3 sets w/ Sheppard, Barnett, and Morrison in there? Who knows, should be interesting! Good news is Giants have injuries too including a guard and Jacobs

by fanick82 on Oct 14, 2011 4:54 PM EDT up reply actions

Better hope the offense shows up

I have a feeling the Giants are going to score often. We’d better hope the offense shows up to play, despite a depleted WR position.

"Slowly all the roles we act out become our identity. And in the end we are what we pretend to be." - Jerry Cantrell.

by stetzwebs on Oct 14, 2011 4:15 PM EDT reply actions

Yikes!

starting pass rusher Chris Kelsay

Thank you thank you thank you thank you sireric for bringing the furious punching cat back into my life. - poz

by bluecollarbuffalo on Oct 14, 2011 5:13 PM EDT reply actions

Kelsay.....

I havta say, i think that Brian and other Moat’s fans were correct in their displeasure with Moats being moved inside in the spring and I think Moats is going to prove it Sunday.
The future is now and it is guys like Moats and Batten outside and Sheppard and White inside.
We also have enough depth to cover for Kyle till he gets 100%. in Dareus, Troup and Heard. Our DEs also look good Carrington (this is his best position,) Edwards, and Johnson.
I don’t think the G-men are going to try to get, “big” with us, but if they do, I think we match up well. I think Heard will surprise with enough snaps on Sunday. Our secondary, as a whole, is crackerjack.
On offense, is this the week we go to a split backfield, with Spiller and Fast Freddy? you know, to get our best players on the field…..we will see sunday.

go bills!

PodunkO - The great post ender!

by podunkowego on Oct 14, 2011 5:44 PM EDT up reply actions

I am not worried about the pass rush this sunday. Its the contain on the edge that worries me. I know moats struggles against the run not sure about batten.

"This is a chance to shine some light on the city, They say it’s too cold. I’m going to bring some warmth to it." Marcell Dareus

by matthew62 on Oct 15, 2011 1:18 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions

Contain will be tough.....

If we are playing that 2-3-6 defense, you are right, we probably will have trouble, but I like the better pass-rush.
I am hoping the giants play a traditional offense so we can play our traditional 3-4-4. With Dareus – heard/troup – Edwards up front we can spread out and move our LBs off the line and reach contain easier and faster.

PodunkO - The great post ender!

by podunkowego on Oct 15, 2011 1:40 PM EDT up reply actions

Time to step up.

Love seeing the young LB’s getting a chance to play together. Depending on how much Troup plays at NT we may just be getting a glimpse of our future defense. Carrington should see a lot of time as he can play two positions. Should have some more speed off the edges at least.

Harooo

by Robot Nixon on Oct 14, 2011 5:53 PM EDT reply actions

yea, it would be interesting to see the future of the defense in action, can’t wait.

by Mperk on Oct 15, 2011 1:10 AM EDT up reply actions

Time for some of these other guys to step up an play big time...

Lets go Defense! Bring it on Sunday and don’t let up!

by Dareurush! on Oct 14, 2011 6:34 PM EDT reply actions

i’m worried about merriman’s injury. isn’t this what shut him down last year?

"the man who created a legend; the legend who resurrected a franchise."

by chaucer on Oct 14, 2011 8:31 PM EDT reply actions

According to merriman him and the team knew it would flare up at some point. It just comes down to taking care of it properly.

"This is a chance to shine some light on the city, They say it’s too cold. I’m going to bring some warmth to it." Marcell Dareus

by matthew62 on Oct 15, 2011 1:16 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions

Can Spiller play linebacker?

"Go check on the ribs!"

by TheAfghanTwilight on Oct 15, 2011 9:20 AM EDT reply actions

I think we all need to relax a bit....

With the Giants losing Snee and Bass, as well as Jacobs, I don’t see their running game being overbearing, even if we ARE using our backups. I have a little faith that our D will take advantage of the Giant’s losses on the O-line, and control the LOS for their running game. Also, we’ll get pressure, Eli will make mistakes, and our DBs will make plays. LETS GO BUFFALO!

by Eric Schessl on Oct 15, 2011 1:40 PM EDT reply actions