1 - McCoy doesn't finish practice with hamstring issueThe key to Buffalo's offense has been LeSean McCoy, who has put together a strong first six games this season. On Wednesday however, he left practice early with a hamstring issue and was a limited participant. Head coach Rex Ryan addressed the addition of McCoy to the team's injury report after practice.
"He was tight in the hamstring so we'll see what happens with our medical evaluation and all that," Ryan said of McCoy.
When asked whether he was harboring concern about McCoy being available for Sunday's game at Miami, Ryan said that would be premature.
"I'm not going to look into it, but we'll see how he comes back," said Ryan.
None of McCoy's teammates saw a particular instance where the running back pulled up in the middle of a play or something. They just noticed he exited practice early. So on the surface it does not appear to be a severe injury.
"I realized that his reps were limited in practice, but I didn't really notice he was gone," said Tyrod Taylor.
"I didn't see anything," said Reggie Bush. "He'll be alright. I think he'll be fine. I didn't even know. I think he'll be fine and be good to go, and if not then next man up."
2 - Gillislee, Bush, Williams ready to step inShould LeSean McCoy's hamstring issue prove to be serious, the backs on Buffalo's depth chart are more than ready to step in. With an offensive line clearing some cavernous holes, Mike Gillislee, Reggie Bush and Jonathan Williams all feel capable of producing in Buffalo's league-leading ground attack.
Gillislee admits there would be a greater sense of urgency for him if in fact McCoy is looking unlikely to play on Sunday in Miami.
"Just working a little harder even though I go out and give it my all each and every day," said Gillislee. "(I'll) just be doing more and staying out there a little bit more and staying in and watching a little bit more film."
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Gillislee thinks the run game, which currently leads the league in rushing yards and yards per carry average, has not even peaked yet.
"I just feel like we're just warming up. With Shady he's motivating me to go in there for the carries that I do get to give it my all."
"As a running back room every week we prepare to the best of our ability," said Jonathan Williams.
"I'm not really sure about (McCoy's) status, but everybody in the running back room is definitely going to prepare the same way we do every week.
"It's always next man up. Coach Lynn has done a great job taking over this offense and putting guys in the right position. I know the whole offense has total faith in him."
"I'm just excited for the way our team is playing right now, especially with the way the offense is running the ball," said Bush. "They've really been doing a great job of creating space for the running backs. It's been a real pleasure to watch and if my number is called I'll be ready to go."
3 - Shaq returns to practiceBills top pick Shaq Lawson was on the practice field with his teammates Wednesday for the first time since he was sidelined by shoulder surgery in May. Lawson moved well and has a good working knowledge of the defensive scheme. The outside linebacker got a lot of reps and was rotated in with the first team defense in practice. He even had an interception going against the scout team.
Lawson feels he's up to speed with his scheme responsibilities.
"I've been involved with the defense from day one since I got hurt," said Lawson who has attended all the team and positional meetings. "Jerry (Hughes) and Kyle Williams have been helping me through the process since I had surgery. So when I came out here today I felt like I was picking things up fast. I knew what to do and the installs that we had today. So those older guys were helping me."
Head coach Rex Ryan said the team will err on the side of caution in how soon they decide to get him game action knowing physically there's an adjustment to football-like work.
"I think he's in shape, but it's the old getting in football shape," said Ryan. "We saw that with Marcell (Dareus). Marcell was in shape, but he gets on the football field and pulls his hamstring. So we've got to get through that. His situation is going to be about timing. You've got to defend yourself, but you have to attack. You've got to get off blocks, all those things on the NFL level. So he's got a lot on his plate."
As of Wednesday Lawson was still on the Reserve/PUP list. Week 7 began a three week period where Lawson is eligible to practice with the team. Anytime during the 21-day practice period the Bills can activate him to the 53-man roster. If the club wanted him to dress for Sunday's game the deadline to activate him would be Saturday at 4 pm.
