LeSean McCoy is expected to be the workhorse. The running back was sent to the Buffalo Bills to lead the ground game in 2015. However, an injury to McCoy has set that plan back a few steps as the veteran is dealing with a hamstring injury that may or may not be serious. While McCoy continues to call himself the best running back in the league, he has not been seen on the practice field to prove it. However, McCoy made his return putting his Week 1 status into question.
According to the Buffalo News, McCoy is back at practice and taking full reps with the team heading into Week 1 against the Indianapolis Colts. Head coach Rex Ryan made it clear that McCoy would be playing in the game on Sunday while the running back said he feels comfortable in the offense despite not being 100 percent healthy just yet. Ryan dismissed the idea that McCoy would be placed on some kind of pitch count, hoping that he is an every-down player for the Bills despite the reports that the running back was suffering from a partially torn hamstring.
"I feel comfortable," McCoy said, via the Buffalo News. "I'm not sure I'll be exactly 100 percent, but I feel good enough to go out there and compete."
Another player set to be on the field come Sunday is Sammy Watkins who stressed that he is healthy despite the glute injury that held him back in the preseason. Watkins is expected to be the leading receiver once again while Percy Harvin and Charles Clay help as well. Both Watkins and Harvin have dealt with injuries, making their reps with Tyrod Taylor limited. Watkins expressed some concerns about that, but believes everything will work out.
Taylor is the starting quarterback for now while EJ Manuel and Matt Cassel hope to see some playing time. A lot has been made about Ryan's decision to start the former Baltimore Ravens backup. McCoy told the media that Taylor is not getting enough credit for his abilities as the players are confident he excels.
"I don't think he gets enough credit for being a smart quarterback," McCoy said. "He's very intelligent. That's the thing that a lot of fans probably don't know. They watch him on the field, he makes the good throws, he's very elusive and gets away from defenders. But he's very smart. He demands respect in the huddle, puts us in the right plays, audibles out of them, makes sure everybody's aligned the correct ways. I won't be surprised if he has a big game."
