Chris

Kelsay

“When we hand you a lineup card, it’s going to have two defensive tackles, two defensive ends, and three linebackers,” Gailey said. “But how much we end up in even spacing (or) odd spacing ... that’s determined by players and the offense we’re playing.” The Bills will mix in some 3-4, but new DC Dave Wannstedt has only ever coached 4-3s. Finding 4-3 players will be a priority in the draft.

Kelsay has been hindered by the injury for over a month now. Danny Batten, Arthur Moats, and Spencer Johnson have been rotating in as the Bills continue to show more 4-3 looks with NT Kyle Williams out.

Merriman projects as a situational pass rusher in the Bills’ transition to a 4-3 defense, and his ability to stay healthy remains in serious doubt coming off an Achilles’ injury that limited him to eight games over the past three seasons. The Bills are also expected to formally move Chris Kelsay back to defensive end.

He may not even start after the offseason additions of LE Mario Williams and RE Mark Anderson. Kelsay, now entering his age-33 season, registered five sacks and two forced fumbles in 12 starts a year ago. Expect his stats to dwindle.

“We’ve got to understand what accountability means across the board, playing hard every play,” said Kelsay. “You watch the film and not everybody was playing hard every snap and that’s unacceptable.” Added Kelsay, “I’d take Mario Williams at full health and full speed probably over anybody else in the league. At the same time I’d take Sean Ferguson, who we cut, over a guy that’s playing 50 percent, and I think our coaches would too.”

Kelsay was suiting up Sunday for the first time since Week 9. If “some time” is anything more than 1-2 games, he could be a candidate for injured reserve. Kelsay has been starting in the absence of RE Mark Anderson (knee surgery). Anderson will likely be sidelined at least 1-2 more weeks.

Kelsay missed the Week 10 loss to the Patriots and now the short week is working against him. The Bills will also be without fellow DE Mark Anderson (knee). Kyle Moore and Shawne Merriman are next up on the depth chart opposite Mario Williams.

Kelsay suffered a mid-week neck injury, and his status for Sunday will likely come down to a game-time decision. If Kelsay is ruled out, Kyle Moore and Shawne Merriman will replace him in the starting lineup. Mark Anderson (out, knee) is hoping to avoid season-ending surgery.

With Mark Anderson (knee surgery) out indefinitely, the Bills will remain thin at defensive end opposite Mario Williams. Kyle Moore and Shawne Merriman will likely rotate snaps against the Dolphins.

“I definitely plan on playing,” Kelsay said. “Hopefully, it’s something that time and rest will heal, and we’ll move forward. Structurally, everything’s sound.” Kelsay revealed Monday his injury was actually a torn neck ligament, but says he’s not putting his body at further risk by playing. With RE Mark Anderson (knee surgery) still sidelined, Kelsay will start opposite Mario Williams if he can go against the Colts.