After going down with a broken collarbonein Week 7, C.J. Spiller could still return this season.
The Buffalo Bills placed the running back on injured reserve/designated to return on Tuesday. In a corresponding move, the team signed Phillip Tanner.
Spiller's season appeared to be in jeopardy after being carted off on Sunday. It's a semi-surprise that the team is optimistic enough that Spiller can return to use their one IR-recall spot on the running back (although they were running out of time to use it anyway). He is eligible to practice in six weeks and come off the designated list in eight -- Week 16.
"Wanna thank all my family n fans for their prayers everything was successful I have all the Faith the team will be in playoffs contention," Spiller tweeted shortly after the roster move. "Just in time for return but until meantime I'll be their biggest fan n rooting them on Sunday's and doing everything in my power to make ... Sure that (Anthony Dixon) and Bryce (Brown) will be ready to go each Sunday ..."
Entering a contract year, Spiller has struggled to find a consistent role in Doug Marrone's offense. He could have one final opportunity at the year's end prior to hitting free agency.
Fred Jackson could miss up to four weeks with a groin injury.
Tanner spent the past three seasons with the Dallas Cowboys, compiling just 56 carries for 149 yards (2.7 average) and two touchdowns.
Anthony Dixon carried the load after the injuries on Sunday. Bryce Brown -- whom Jackson called an "every-down back" on Monday -- is expected to see his first action of the season after the Bills acquired him in a trade this offseason with the Philadelphia Eagles.
The Bills needed to add another back to the roster merely for depth, and Tanner is their man -- at least until Jackson and/or Spiller returns.
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