C.J. Spiller Ruled Out For Next Week, But Bills Could Have Fred Jackson Back

C.J. Spiller suffered a shoulder injury that team doctors say will keep him out of at least next week’s contest against the New England Patriots, but the news isn’t all bad for the Buffalo Bills.

As the Washington Post reported, original No. 1 tailback Fred Jackson has been recovering faster than expected from his Week 1 injury and could be back in time for the AFC East matchup next weekend.

C.J. Spiller’s injury came in the first half of Buffalo’s 24-14 win over the Cleveland Browns this weekend. It came at a time when the Bills had all the momentum and were moving through the Browns defense at will, but his injury jolted the team’s ability to move the ball on offense. The Browns cut the lead to 17-14 before the Bills were finally able to regain control, and won the game behind three touchdown passes from Ryan Fitzpatrick.

It could have been much worse for C.J. Spiller. CBSSports.com’s Jason La Canfora reported the Bills believe Spiller has suffered a strained AC joint, not a separated shoulder that would have kept him out much longer. Spiller is expected to be back after one to two weeks.

As Spiller hits the infirmary, Fred Jackson has been accelerating his recovery from a right knee injury he suffered in a Week 1 loss to the New York Jets.

“Fred will practice this week,” Bills Coach Chan Gailey said Monday. “I don’t know if it’ll be Wednesday or Thursday, but he should practice at some point this week. His recovery has been amazing.”

Even without Fred Jackson or C.J. Spiller, the Bills haven’t lost all hope for their running game. An increasingly cohesive offensive line, led by rookie left tackle Cordy Glenn, have opened up large holes for whoever it taking the carries. After Spiller’s injury last week third-string running back Tashard Choice stepped in and rushed for 90 yards, averaging close to 5 yards a carry.