Jackson felt a little pain after practice
ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. (AP)
Buffalo Bills running back Fred Jackson is taking a wait-and-see approach
regarding his chances to play against New England this weekend.
After
returning to practice Wednesday for the first time in nearly three
weeks since spraining his right knee, Jackson said the next test is
seeing how his leg feels once he wakes up on Thursday.
''I felt
OK about practice today. That was good,'' Jackson said. ''I think
what's going to determine more than anything is how I'm feeling like
the next day. If I can come out here and continue to work, that'll help
get me better. But if I wake up tomorrow and it's swollen or too sore
to do anything, then that's going to set me back.''
Despite his
concerns, Jackson stuck to the prediction he made on Monday, when
saying he's 70 to 75 percent certain he'll be ready to play on Sunday.
The
Bills (2-1) could certainly use him in preparing for an early season
showdown against their AFC East rival Patriots (2-1). With Jackson out
since a season-opening 48-24 loss at the New York Jets on Sept. 9,
Buffalo's running attack took another blow after C.J. Spiller hurt his
left shoulder in a 24-14 win at Cleveland last weekend.
Spiller
missed practice on Wednesday, and is considered to have an outside
chance to play against New England. Cornerback Leodis McKelvin did not
practice with what the team listed as a groin injury.
Jackson
said he felt only a little pain after practicing on a limited basis. He
did experience some difficulty while cutting on the turf, and said he
also needs to become more comfortable wearing a brace.
The Bills have relied on their running attack to win the past two
games. Buffalo ranks third in the NFL with 534 yards rushing.
Though
initially projected to miss about a month, Jackson has been eager to
return earlier in part because of the injury to Spiller and a chance to
face the Patriots.
''It's the Patriots, we need all guys on deck
to go out there and get a win for us,'' Jackson said. ''It's a big game
for us. But at the same time, I've got to be smart and make sure I'm
out there able to make plays for my team.''
Tashard Choice, who had 91 yards rushing against Cleveland, would take
over as the starter if Jackson and Spiller can't play.
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