"Buffalo Bills linebacker Shawne Merriman has been shut down for the season.

The Bills moved Merriman onto the injured reserve list Saturday due to his chronic Achilles tendon injury. Merriman has been bothered by soreness in the Achilles for more than a year. He was claimed by the Bills off waivers from San Diego on Nov. 3 and was inactive the past three games.

Merriman will get $1.7 million from the Bills, presuming he does not reach an injury settlement. His contract is up at the end of this season. Chronic Achilles pain often is a precursor to rupturing of the tendon. Merriman said Friday he needed to be sure he was fully healthy before playing again. The Bills obviously decided Merriman needs a lengthy period for the Achilles to heal."