Sept 9, 2012; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; Buffalo Bills running back Fred Jackson (22) leaves the field after being injured during the first half at MetLife Stadium. He did not return. The Jets defeated the Bills 48-28. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-US PRESSWIRE
It had looked like the Bills were going to have to enter this week’s crucial AFC East battle against New England with third-stringer Tashard Choice as the team’s primary running back due to injuries to Fred Jackson and C.J. Spiller.
But it turns out those guys might be really fast healers.
Fred Jackson suffered a sprained LCL in the Week 1 loss to the Jets, and it had been said that Week 5 was his target date to return. However, Jackson is likely going to practice this week and he puts his chances of playing at “70 to 75 percent.”
“I think with the work that our training staff is doing with the preparation to try to get me out there, and the focus to get back out there I think I’ve got a really good shot ,” he said. “I like my chances. So hopefully all goes well on Wednesday and Thursday and things are good for me.”
Head coach Chan Gailey echoed those sentiments, saying “Well from the workout and the rehab this morning it went extremely well. It looks like he’s going to practice Wednesday and we’ll see how he feels through the course of the week. I’m very optimistic.”
So great news there. It certainly sounds like Jackson is going to play barring a setback.
Meanwhile, I know I feared the worst when Spiller went down against the Cleveland Browns. I in fact was sure he broke his collarbone. But not only did he not break the bone, but his injury is not as bad as initially reported. He might even practice this week.
“He’s not going to practice today , but we’re hoping we’ll get him a few reps maybe by the end of the week,” said Gailey of Spiller. ”I don’t know for sure. We’ll see.”
Certainly not the level of optimism we heard about Jackson, but hey, there’s a chance.
At this point, I’d be very surprised to see Jackson NOT in uniform Sunday, unless he really has a problem in practice. But I’d be shocked if Spiller plays. I think this might be the Bills gaming the media a bit, forcing Bill Belichick and the Patriots to prepare for Spiller as they gameplan this week. Every little bit helps, I suppose.