Buffalo Bills running back Fred Jackson tore his adductor longus in Week 7 against the Minnesota Vikings and was expected to be out until Week 11, but he has a good chance of returning early and playing in today’s game against the Kansas City Chiefs. Jackson was able to practice throughout the week, but Bills head coach Doug Marrone stated that the veteran back still isn’t as far along as the Bills want him to be. The practice reps may have been intended to get Jackson ready for Week 11, or Marrone’s comments were purposefully coy. Either way, Jackson is a toss-up for today’s game, though it was reported earlier today that both he and star receiver Sammy Watkins will play if they don’t have setbacks during pre-game warm-ups.
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ESPN NFL Nation’s Mike Rodak reports that Jackson’s status will depend on his pre-game workout, so he should be considered 50-50 until further notice. Per Rodak, Watkins told ESPN’s Britt McHenry that he will also be a full-blown, game-time decision. As expected, we won’t know their statuses until the Bills release their inactive cards, so we’ll have to hang tight until then.
Watkins aggravated a groin injury at practice on Wednesday and was unable to get back on the field on Thursday of Friday. That was a huge concern, but the Bills still listed him as questionable on the injury report and have given him a legit shot at suiting up today against the Chiefs. If Watkins can’t play, then Kyle Orton could have some big problems.