Shawne Merriman is expected to miss a third straight week of practice, and there are concerns about whether the former star linebacker will suit up for the Buffalo Bills at all this season.
Coach Chan Gailey expressed that concern Monday in all but formally ruling out Merriman from playing Sunday, when the Bills (2-8) play host to Pittsburgh (7-3). Gailey says he has not received any timetable on when Merriman will be cleared for practice since aggravating a right Achilles' tendon injury two weeks ago.
The injury occurred in Merriman's first practice with the Bills, a week after being claimed off waivers from San Diego.
The Bills expect to have RB C.J. Spiller back Sunday, a league source told NFL Network insider Jason La Canfora. Spiller injured his hamstring in the Bills' 14-12 win over the Detroit Lions on Nov. 13 and missed Sunday's win over the Bengals.
Offensive guard Eric Wood's status is uncertain after he bruised his left leg in a 49-31 win at Cincinnati on Sunday.
The Associated Press contributed to this report
