Shawne

Merriman

Merriman seems to be developing quickly despite not practicing with the Chargers until he finally signed his contract. Merriman should find his way to the starting lineup by the start of the season. He’s too talented not to.

He’s having a tough time getting into football shape. ''The fact that he is going to miss more time, that’s the problem,’' coach Marty Schottenheimer said. ''It all accumulates.’' Because of other injuries in San Diego, Merriman still has a decent shot to start by week one.

''The (hamstring), you can’t push it,’' Merriman said. ''You can’t rush that back, because that could turn into a major setback.’'

McFadden came up as Mort was naming players on the block, beginning with Albert Haynesworth and ending with unsigned restricted free agent Shawne Merriman. Merriman, though, can’t be traded until he inks his one-year tender. The No. 4 overall pick in 2008, McFadden has already missed seven games due to injury in his first two seasons and averaged just 3.9 yards a carry.

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.

“The setback was not good. Now how far does he have to go?” said Gailey. "... Now we’re back to square one or below square one maybe.” Gailey revealed that Merriman will play a situation pass rusher role as a defensive end as opposed to an outside linebacker in Dave Wannstedt’s 4-3 defense.

“I was very pleased as far as how things went with the (Achilles) surgery,” Merriman said. “I feel great now.” Lights Out expects to be “full stride” by June, and “absolutely” 100 percent for the regular season. Merriman has appeared in just 23 games the past four seasons, so believe it when you see it. He is not a wise investment in IDP leagues despite his formerly immense potential.

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.

“If he gets healthy and passes the physical, he’s still ours,” said GM Buddy Nix. “We’ll take it from there and see what happens.” The Bills are desperate enough for a pass rush that they will hold out hope again for Merriman to make a contribution in 2012.

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.