It appears that for a second week in a row, the New England Patriots will take on a team missing arguably its best offensive player.
Buffalo Bills running back LeSean McCoy officially is listed as doubtful for Sunday’s matchup with the Patriots at New Era Field, and Bills coach Rex Ryan did not sound optimistic about his chances of suiting up.
“Obviously, he never practiced, so you guys can figure that out,” Ryan told reporters Friday, via ESPN.com’s Mike Rodak.
McCoy is dealing with a hamstring injury, making Ryan’s decision to start him last Sunday in Miami a questionable one. After going off for 290 rushing yards over the previous two weeks, the NFL’s fourth-leading rusher managed just 11 yards on eight carries in a 28-25 loss to the Dolphins.
If McCoy cannot go, expect an uptick in carries for backup Mike Gillislee, who’s rushed just 22 times for 137 yards this season. Gillislee is dealing with a foot injury but reportedly is expected to play against the Patriots.
The Bills also are dealing with injuries to their receiving corps. Marquise Goodwin officially has been ruled out after suffering a concussion against the Dolphins, and Robert Woods has been limited in practice this week with a foot injury.
The Patriots, who lost to the Bills 16-0 back in Week 4, are coming off a 27-16 win over a similarly injury-ravaged Pittsburgh Steelers team that was down quarterback Ben Roethlisberger and several other starters.
Thumbnail photo via Jasen Vinlove/USA TODAY Sports Images
