CJ Spiller's contract year is not getting much better. The running back has struggled some this season as the Buffalo Bills have struggled and now an injury could really put his future in jeopardy. Spiller failed to negotiate a long-term contract over the offseason and was facing a number of trade rumors as the mid-season deadline approaches, but a season-ending injury has put everything up in the air now.
According to Pro Football Talk, Spiller suffered a broken collarbone after he went down on a 53-yard run in the second quarter of the team's game against the Minnesota Vikings. The running back has officially ended his 2014 season and will undergo surgery on Monday to repair the injury. The typical recovery window is three weeks for a broken collarbone, meaning Spiller has likely played his final game in a Bills uniform.
There have been trade rumors circulating Spiller's name since the offseason when his contract demands were denied by the Bills. However, this injury ends all of that. Any team in contention for the playoffs will have to look elsewhere for offensive help because Spiller will not be available to play. Several teams had reportedly called in regards to the running back's status. According to the Star-Ledger, the Philadelphia Eagles were interested. LeSean McCoy has not exactly been blowing people away this season and with the playoffs still in view, getting Spiller could help push the offense.
Other teams interested included the Dallas Cowboys and Cincinnati Bengals. The Cowboys are dealing with the legal issues of Joseph Randle and were rumored to like Spiller as a backup to DeMarco Murray. The Bengals are in need of a better running back as they contend for the playoffs and Spiller was the best available. At this point, the running back will just have to wait for free agency to figure out his future.
The Bills have serious issues on their hand with this injury. Fred Jackson will also not be on the field for some time. He left Sunday's game with a groin injury and according to NFL.com, he will miss four weeks of the season. So, Buffalo is now without their two top backs. Fantasy owners take note, Bryce Brown will likely get the start for the next few weeks. He was acquired in a draft-day trade. Boobie Dixon will back him up.
