Roidman injured in first practice with Bills

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http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/news?slug=ap-bills-merriman

ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. (AP)—Linebacker Shawne "roidman" Merriman’s(notes) first practice with his new team in Buffalo didn’t last very long.

Merriman limped off the field Wednesday with a lower right leg injury about 30 minutes into practice, his first with the winless Bills since they claimed him off waivers a week ago.

Taking part in an individual drill in the middle of the field, the former San Diego Chargers star pass-rusher took a few steps back and then hopped in the air in pain after he took a pivot step to his left. Merriman pulled down his right sock and limped to the sideline where a trainer spent a few minutes checking the player’s ankle.

Merriman then consulted with head trainer Bud Carpenter at midfield before being escorted into the Bills’ fieldhouse, where the team’s training room is located. The team had no immediate update on Merriman’s injury.

Buffalo (0-8) hosts Detroit (2-6) on Sunday.

Injuries over the past three seasons have slowed the performance of a player nicknamed “Lights Out” for his hard-hitting style. Merriman’s 5-plus year career in San Diego ended after the Chargers placed him on injured reserve last month due to a calf injury.

The Chargers waived him once he was ruled healthy.

Merriman passed a physical with the Bills after reporting to the team last weekend, but was wearing a wrap around his left calf during practice Wednesday. Merriman had also been bothered by an Achilles’ tendon injury this offseason.

He missed most of the 2008 season after undergoing reconstructive knee surgery, and had only four sacks last year after managing 39 1/2 in his first three NFL seasons.

Before practice Wednesday, coach Chan Gailey was cautious in discussing whether Merriman would be ready to play this weekend. Gailey wanted to see how Merriman looked first and expected to have a better idea on the player’s status by Friday.

Bills players were counting on Merriman to spark a defense that’s had difficulty generating a pass rush. The Bills are already minus two starters after middle linebacker Andra Davis(notes) (shoulder) and receiver Roscoe Parrish(notes) (broken wrist) were placed on injured reserve Monday.

“I hope he’s starting on Sunday,” safety Donte Whitner(notes) said of Merriman. “It’s leadership he brings on the football field, but especially getting pressure on that quarterback and making the offensive staff in Detroit pay special attention to him.”

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