The Buffalo Bills are prepared to be without LeSean McCoy for some time. The running back has been gutting out a hamstring injury that is preventing him from playing at full speed and now it looks like rest is in the books for the workhorse. The Bills downplayed the injury when it first happened despite ESPN reporting it was a tear, but now McCoy is saying it might be time to take a game off which means Karlos Williams will get the start in Week 4 against the Giants.
Head coach Rex Ryan confirmed that it does not look good for McCoy in Week 4. Both Ryan and McCoy have stated that the injury is hurting him on the field and now the team is focused on getting healthy for the long-term outlook of the season.
"Get him healthy," Ryan said, via Mike Rodak of ESPN.com. "He's obviously a super talent. Sometimes a guy like that who's less than 100 percent is still pretty darn good, but is it worth the time to get him at 100 percent or near 100 percent? That's something we're weighing right now."
With McCoy out, the offense gets handed to Williams which is certainly not a bad thing. The rookie has certainly proven his worth so far to the team as he is averaging 7.8. yards per carry on 24 runs this season. Fantasy owners would be wise to grab the rookie while he is still available. Williams has shown he is a solid fit for the system and can be a three-down back if needed. In Week 3 he added 110 yards and a touchdown in place of McCoy who went down early and that could easily continue.
The Bills are at risk of missing another star on the field against the Giants. Sammy Watkins is dealing with calf issues that might keep him off the field as well. Ryan was not sure if Watkins would be able to play. He chalked the injury up to conditioning issues which might mean that Watkins could still see the field if needed. Watkins left last Sunday's game in the first quarter and did not return. Ryan believes that missing the time with the hip injury and all of the preseason with hamstring problems could be contributing.
"Part of when he had the surgery, it takes away a little bit of your conditioning," Ryan said, via ESPN.com. "He has the pull in camp, misses time. Now he's coming back and he's got something else. It's just one of those things."
Without Watkins, the receiving corps is still strong. Percy Harvin, Robert Woods and Charles Clay will help Tyrod Taylor. Chris Hogan has also gotten some looks in his third year with the team. He has 42 yards off three catches, but does have a touchdown on the season.
