It’s lights on for Lights Out.
Defensive end Shawne Merriman joined the Bills at practice on Thursday, his first time taking part in offseason work since undergoing surgery on his Achilles and shoulder last season. According to the Bills website, Merriman wasn’t limited at all during the session and he took part in both team and individual drills.
Merriman played just five games for the Bills last season before being shut down because of injuries. That made four straight seasons filled with more missed games than sacks for a player who was once one of the premier pass rushers in all of football. With Mario Williams and Mark Anderson in the fold, Merriman’s role will likely be that of a situational pass rusher.
A less demanding role could help Merriman remain healthy for a full season, although it is anyone’s guess how far he’ll be able to go after so much time lost to injuries. With $3 million in guaranteed money coming to Merriman this season, he’ll definitely be around the Bills long enough to find out.