"The Buffalo Bills have claimed former San Diego Chargers linebacker Shawne Merriman on waivers, league sources told ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter.

Merriman must report to the Bills within the next five days or he'll be placed on the Reserve/Left Squad list and would not be able to play the rest of the season, at which point his status would be determined by the next collective bargaining agreement. At the moment, Merriman plans to report to Buffalo, sources told Schefter. He is not, however, expected to play Sunday against the Chicago Bears.

The Miami Dolphins had also planned to place a waiver claim for Merriman.

Merriman was placed on the injured reserve list because of a calf injury and a "minor-injury designation" last month. The Chargers said when announcing the move that Merriman must be released once he's healthy."