"Buffalo Bills defensive tackle Kyle Williams was out of practice for the second straight day Tuesday for precautionary reasons, but he's expected to be ready for the season opener Sept. 11 against the Kansas City Chiefs.

The first order of business is getting bodies back in the lineup for the preseason finale against the Lions.

Linebacker Shawne Merriman (groin) is expected to play Thursday after missing the last two preseason games. Merriman played well in the preseason opener against Chicago, and the Bills want to get him more action before the regular season.

"He needs to play," coach Chan Gailey said. "He hasn't played in a couple of years. He wants to play. He seems to be physically fit. If he wasn't we wouldn't put him out there, so we're going to let him go try a few plays.""