Buffalo Bills linebacker Shawne Merriman and running back C.J. Spiller have been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Cincinnati Bengals.

Defensive end Spencer Johnson has also been ruled out.

Merriman has a strained Achilles, while Spiller and Johnson have hamstring injuries.

Spiller, the team's first-round pick this past April, is ranked third on the team in rushing, trailing even quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick, but leads the Bills in combined yards (1,052) and is one of the few legitimate play-makers on the NFL's 28th-ranked offense.

With Spiller sidelined, Quinton Ganther could see an increased role in the offense as Fred Jackson's top back-up.

Defensive linemen Alex Carrington and/or John McCargo could dress for Sunday's game with Johnson out.