The Buffalo Bills lost in Week 7 against the Jaguars and players like Sammy Watkins, Percy Harvin, Karlos Williams and Tyrod Taylor remain banged up heading into the bye week. LeSean McCoy was healthy and was able to start, but EJ Manuel struggled and now Rex Ryan may make changes as the team gets ready for Week 9 against the Miami Dolphins.
The Bills got off to a strong start this season, but the team has stumbled the last few weeks while dealing with some major injuries. Taylor has been out since Week 5 with a knee sprain, while Karlos Williams is dealing with a concussion. Percy Harvin has a serious hip issue that he is dealing with, while Sammy Watkins was inactive this week after suffering an ankle injury in Week 7. The bye week is coming at a good time for the Bills, but the time off may not be enough for some of the players to return.
According to Tyler Dunne of the Buffalo News, Rex Ryan said that he thinks that Taylor could return for Week 9 after the bye week. Ryan said that he is "confident" that Taylor can play and also added that he is "00 percent confident" in Manuel as the number two quarterback despite his struggles. Some have questioned the Bills decision to trade Matt Cassel this season now that they are dealing with injuries, but he did not look great in his start for the Cowboys against the Giants this week either. Manuel had 298 yards and two touchdowns against the Jaguars, but he also had two interceptions and now has three of each in four games played this season.
Manuel had a tough run in the first half and he had three turnovers in a quick span of time and that put the Bills in a tough situation. Manuel hooked up with Robert Woods in the game and the team even took the lead in the fourth quarter, but they could not hold on against the Jaguars. Manuel has not played well enough to hold off Taylor once he is healthy, but if Taylor can't come back for Week 9, it will likely be Manuel starting again.
LeSean McCoy dealt with a hamstring injury earlier in the season and he was probable coming into the game in London. McCoy did not show any issues related to the hamstring and he finished the game with over 100 total yards against the Jaguars. McCoy had 68 yards rushing and also added two catches for 36 yards in the game. Karlos Williams was impressive for the Bills early in the season, but he has been out with a concussion. Williams is expected back for Week 9 and that could cut into McCoy's numbers a bit for fantasy owners.
Sammy Watkins was out for Week 7 with an ankle injury, but there is chance he could return after the bye week. Watkins has been unable to stay healthy on a consistent basis for the Bills and he has just 11 catches in four games this season and has complained about his targets when he has been on the field. Harvin is dealing with a serous hip injury and general manager Doug Whaley said on WGR 550 Buffalo that the team is "not sure" when he will be able to return.
