BUFFALO, N.Y. -- The Buffalo Bills have placed linebacker Shawne Merriman on injured reserve, ending his 2011 season.
Late Tuesday afternoon, Merriman issued a statement regarding his injury, and the decision to go on IR.
"Due to the fact that I have recently been experiencing excessive aggravation in my Achilles tendon, which is a limitation that I have been dealing with for well over two years now, I sought the opinions of multiple medical specialists. After much consideration and unanimous professional recommendations stating that my Achilles is in danger of rupturing, I have been advised that it would be in my best interest to undergo surgery as soon as possible in order to prevent a major injury. I would like to thank all of my fans for their continued support on my road to a full recovery and am looking forward to getting back out on the field."
Bills General Manager Buddy Nix said the best choice for the Bills was to place Merriman on injured reserve.
"Shawne has worked extremely hard, but unfortunately, his Achilles flared back up and it doesn't appear that he will be able to return to the field anytime soon," Nix said. "So we felt it was in the best interest of our team and for Shawne to put him on IR."
Merriman did not play in the Bills 27-24 loss to the New York Giants on October 16th after his achilles tendon, which has plagued him over the past two years, flared up again. He said he felt he'd be ready to play against the Washington Redskins this Sunday in Toronto, but the injury didn't clear up following last Sunday's bye and the team placed him on IR.
Merriman is under contract with the Bills through the 2012 season. He finishes the 2011 season with nine tackles in five games played, and one sack.