With C.J. Spiller still hobbled with a nagging ankle injury the Bills made a roster move to fortify their running back position promoting RB Ronnie Wingo to the 53-man roster. Spiller is listed as doubtful for Sunday's game in New Orleans.
Wingo (6'3" 231) is a big back with good athleticism. The Arkansas product was an undrafted rookie signing of the Atlanta Falcons this past spring, but was released during final cuts on Aug. 31st.
The rookie running back feels ready for the opportunity to get his first NFL carries this Sunday in New Orleans if it comes to that.
"I've been preparing every week like I'm going to play," Wingo told Buffalobills.com. "I've been working double time running scout team while studying for the Saints and all the other teams before that to stay ready."
Signed to the Bills practice squad on Sept. 2nd, Wingo has put in extra time to get a firm grasp of Buffalo's offensive system.
"What helps out a lot is having a group of older guys who already know what's going on," said Wingo of his fellow running back. "Me and (running backs) coach (Tyrone) Wheatley have been meeting extra ever since I got here. Some coaches really don't give the time of day to the guys on the practice squad. They just worry about the guys who are playing. But my relationship with him has grown and if I have a problem with the plays or anything we go over them."
Wingo said he meets with coach Wheatley every day for one-on-one coaching and study to master an offense he's only been immersed in for the past eight weeks.
"It's been a big help with me getting the feel for the offense," he said. "We'll sometimes have meetings in the morning. Sometimes after our post practice meetings at 3:15 if I have any questions I'll ask him and we'll go over things."
The rookie back rushed for almost 1,100 yards with eight touchdowns averaging 5.28 yards per carry in his career for the Razorbacks.
