In a bit of news that should surprise no one, but nonetheless is disappointing in its surprising nature, Buffalo Bills head coach Chan Gailey revealed on Monday that the Achilles injury to outside linebacker Shawne Merriman wasn't healing as quickly as planned, and that the veteran pass rusher may be forced to miss another game.

Merriman has been dealing with the Achilles injury for the past few weeks, and that was preceded by a shoulder injury that kept him in and out of the lineup for a time, as well. His coaches have been resting him copiously when he's been healthy enough to play, worried about his being in game shape.

Coming into the season, Merriman had appeared in just 18 games over the past three seasons, starting with the 2008 opener. In five appearances this season, he's recorded nine tackles and a sack. Clearly, the news that he's not progressing as planned is bad news for Buffalo's prospects defensively (and potentially for a while) - but it's also news that the team could've better planned to deal with.