According to ESPN’s Josina Anderson, the Buffalo Bills are concerned that their new star running back LeSean McCoy may not be ready for their September 13th opener against the Indianapolis Colts:
ESPN further notes that McCoy is suffering from a left hamstring injury that he suffered earlier in practice this month:
"“McCoy suffered a left hamstring injury in practice on Aug. 18. The source told Anderson that McCoy’s MRI showed, what was described internally as, a ‘small tear,’ adding: ‘They say it tore in a spot where it couldn’t have been any better for us. It tore in a spot that is kind of high up, surrounded by stronger muscles in the glutes and things like that’.”“According to the source, McCoy is not at full speed in practice but is doing rehab work including light footwork, agility and cardio conditioning, but there is concern he won’t be in great ‘football shape’.”"
For the Colts, it would be a considerable sigh of relief, as McCoy is arguably among the best running backs in the entire NFL. The type of runner that is never actually tackled until he’s on the ground, and a threat to make a big play every time he seemingly touches the football.
With Arthur Jones out indefinitely, the Colts run defense is a major question mark. The unit often struggled last season, and a fully healthy Jones was expected to be a big part of the solution going forward.
In their star running back’s absence, the Bills would be forced to turn to the likes of backups Anthony Dixon, Karlos Williams, and Bryce Brown, who while competent running backs in their own right, certainly aren’t McCoy by any means. Additionally, the Colts defense wouldn’t have to commit as much support to the run game, which would make passing life even worse for unproven starting quarterback Tyrod Taylor.
It’s worth noting that the Bills will already be without their star defensive tackle Marcell Dareus, who is serving a 1-game suspension, so McCoy’s loss would be a significant blow on the other side of the football.
That being said, no one ever likes to see a player injured, especially one as exciting to watch as McCoy. However, the Colts odds of winning may improve dramatically if the latter is unable to lace them up come September 13th at Buffalo.
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