CJ Spiller and Doug Marrone appear to be on opposite sides when it comes to the ankle injury hampering the Buffalo Bills running back. Spiller, of course, wants to play. However, the head coach is considering sitting him a week to allow the injury to fully heal. Despite the opposing viewpoints, Spiller says he and Marrone are absolutely fine.
The Bills running back is shooting down reports there was a feud brewing between the two over the injury. Marrone noted that every time Spiller plays in a game, he suffers a setback in the injury. He believes sitting the star for one week would really allow him to get back to playing at 100 percent. Spiller says he feels "10 times better" now than he did earlier in the year, wanting to be out on the field. As Marrone holds him out of practice, Spiller promises there is no negativity between the two.
"I have no problem with Coach Marrone. I think we have a great relationship. Concerning my injury, I think we're both on the same page. He wants what's best for me, and he also wants what's best for this team. He's going to make the right decision," Spiller said, via Mike Rodak of ESPN.com. "And I'm going to back him. So there's definitely no feud, no miscommunication."
Marrone told reporters that Spiller's injury is worse than it may first appear which is why the Bills are considering sitting the running back this week. Spiller says his desire to playing whether he is injured or not is only natural as he wants to constantly help his teammates. Veteran backup Fred Jackson agrees with Marrone. He concerned that Spiller is really not as healthy as he might be trying to let on.
"My guess looking at him and being here, being my fourth year around him, I'd say he's about 75 percent," Jackson said, ProFootballTalk.com. "He is a guy who is based on explosiveness. He can't explode off that ankle and make cuts like he normally does, and that's one of the things that's from the injury."
Spiller has struggled in recent weeks. His stats as the lead back have dropped off dramatically. After putting up 103 yards in Week 2, Spiller has only mustered up a 55-yard performance and an 11-yard performance while dealing with the injury. If the Bills opt to sit him, Jackson will get the start. He returned to practice in a limited fashion after the team gave him extra rest days for his aggravated knee injury. Heading out onto the road against the Saints will be a tough task if Spiller is unable to play.
