It seemed inevitable after the team created a vacancy on the 53-man roster Tuesday, but head coach Doug Marrone said all week they wanted to see C.J. Spiller make his way through a full week of practice before pulling the trigger. Following the team's Friday practice session the Bills announced that they took Spiller off of injured reserve and added him to the active roster making him eligible to play in Sunday's game at Oakland.
"That paperwork was submitted to the league today," said Marrone.
The only remaining question is whether he will be active on game day, a decision that rests with Buffalo's sideline boss.
"Basically the football conditioning factor is the only thing in terms of where he is and giving him the reps and making a decision on whether he gives us the best chance to win," Marrone said.
Spiller, who was placed on I-R after suffering a collar bone injury that required surgery in Week 7, was given the designation to return with the hope that he'd be healthy enough to play near the end of the regular season. The running back was limited all week in practice and is listed as probable for the Raiders game.
The players on the offensive side of the ball were encouraged by Spiller's return to the roster knowing the big play capabilities he brings to the offense. Quarterback Kyle Orton believes Spiller could provide a shot in the arm on their side of the ball.
"It's huge," Orton said. "Everybody knows he's an explosive player, a dynamic player, good in the receiving and the running game. We're excited to have him back."
Despite being away from live game action for the better part of the last two months, Fred Jackson doesn't see Spiller needing much time to re-acclimate himself to a live game setting.
"A guy of his talent who has the talents of his magnitude we expect him to come out and hit the ground running," said Jackson. "That's what we want him to do, that's what he's trying to do. He looked good out there at practice. So as long as he comes out and does what he does he'll be okay."
