By Mark Gaughan
PITTSFORD -- The Buffalo Bills had a scary moment midway through Saturday's padded practice when slot receiver David Nelson went down after banging his knee with another player on an innocent-looking incompletion in the flat.
Bills coach Chan Gailey, however, said the injury does not appear serious.
"They said it's like a bruise," Gailey said. "They don't think it's any kind of ligaments or anything like that. We'll see what the determination is tomorrow, probably."
Nelson sat in the end zone behind the practice session for several minutes but was able to walk off the field and into the locker room under his own power.
Elsewhere on the injury front, defensive end Shawne Merriman did not participate in practice due to a sore ankle.
"He rolled an ankle yesterday late," Gailey said. "He taped it up and finished but we held him out today. He went through the walk-through this morning so it's not like it's a hobbling thing. We're gonna make sure he's ready to go before we bring him back."
Right tackle Erik Pears sat out due to a sore groin. "They don't think it's much but they were being precautionary and we'll see how soon we can get him back," Gailey said. "Hopefully tomorrow night, if not Monday."
Defensive tackle Kellen Heard walked off and into the locker room early in the session. His injury might be more significant.
"Kellen's ankle bothered him all offseason," Gailey said. "They're going to run some more tests. They don't know exactly what's wrong with that."
