The Bills' backfield woes could be coming to an end soon.
Buffalo running back LeSean McCoy returned to practice Thursday. McCoy didn't practice last week after aggravating his hamstring against the Dolphins in Week 7. McCoy missed last week's loss to the Patriots and Mike Gillislee took over primary running back duties in his absence.
"We'll see how he progresses, but obviously it's a positive sign," Bills coach Rex Ryan said about getting his primary offensive weapon back on the field this week. He was limited in practice.
The eighth-year veteran got off to a great start for his second season with the Bills. He's toted the ball 112 times for 598 yards and a career-best 5.3 yards per carry. He has six touchdowns on the ground and another one receiving. The Bills face the Seattle Seahawks on Monday night, and their playoff hopes are greatly improved with McCoy on the field.
Marcell Dareus, however, has suffered a setback. The defensive lineman suffered a groin injury last week against the Patriots, his first game of the season. He didn't practice. Wideout Robert Woods (foot) was limited, along with tight end Charles Clay (shoulder).
Here are some other injuries we are tracking Thursday:
- Packers running back James Starks was limited in practice, coach Mike McCarthy said. Starks has been dealing with a knee injury that's kept him out several weeks. Wideout Ty Montgomery is practicing after missing last week's game and some of practice due to the sickle cell trait he carries. Wideout Randall Cobb (hamstring), tight end Jared Cook (ankle) and linebacker Clay Matthews (hamstring) were limited.
- Chiefs running back Spencer Ware (concussion) didn't practice again. Receiver Jeremy Maclin also didn't practice becaused of a sore groin. Maclin has been unusually healthy in his 2016 campaign. Linebacker Derrick Johnson (hamstring) returned to practice.
- Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger was limited for the second day in practice. Running back DeAngelo Williams (knee) sat out practice.
- Ravens wide receiver Steve Smith practiced for the first time Thursday since suffering an ankle injury on Oct. 9. He was limited. Cornerback Shareece Wright (thigh) didn't practice.
- Giants receiver Odell Beckham was limited in practice with a hip injury.
- Panthers linebacker Luke Kuechly didn't practice with a groin injury. Coach Ron Rivera expects him back Friday, meaning it likely isn't a serious injury. Offensive tackle Michael Oher (concussion), center Ryan Kalil (shoulder), linebacker Shaq Thompson (knee) cornerback Daryl Worley (elbow) and defensive tackle Vernon Butler (ankle) also didn't practice.
- Vikings guard Alex Boone and linebacker Eric Kendricks both didn't practice due to concussions. Defensive lineman Sharrif Floyd (knee) also didn't practice. Running back Jerick McKinnon (ankle) returned to practice and was limited. Safety Andrew Sendejo (ankle) was limited.
- Saints first-round pick Sheldon Rankinsis expected to play for the first time this season when New Orleans faces the 49ers on Sunday. Rankins fractured his fibula in August and was designated as the Saints' player to return this year. He could be a huge boost for the struggling New Orleans defense.
- Lions cornerback Darius Slay (hamstring) is in return to play protocol, coach Jim Calswell said. Slay was limited in practice Wednesday.
- Browns receiver Corey Coleman (hand) fully participated in practice.
- Broncos cornerback Aqib Talib (back) isn't practicing. NFL Network's James Palmer reported that Talib likely will be a game-time decision Sunday night against the Raiders. Gary Kubiak told reporters that Talib went to California to get a second opinion on his back. Running back Devontae Booker (shoulder), linebacker Brandon Marshall (hamstring) were limited and center Matt Paradis (hip) sat out practice.
- Colts receiver T.Y. Hilton (hip) fully practiced. He didn't practice Wednesday.
- Titans running back DeMarco Murray (foot) was upgraded to a full participant after being limited earlier in the week. Tight end Delanie Walker was limited with a groin injury.
- Chargers rookie tight end Hunter Henry (knee) sat out practice again as did wide receiver Travis Benjamin (knee) and linebacker Denzel Perryman (hamstring).
- Raiders wide receiver Amari Cooper was limited in practice for the second straight day because of a back injury. Cornerback Sean Smith (shoulder) was limited in his return to practice.
- Buccaneers quarterback Jameis Winstonsuffered a knee injury on a fourth-quarter hit in Thursday's loss to the Falcons. He left the game and didn't return, but told reporters after the game he felt fine. In addition, wide receiver Mike Evans left in the fourth quarter to be evaluated for a concussion. Center Joe Hawley (knee) and defensive end Howard Jones (knee) also left the game early and didn't return.
- Falcons defensive back Desmond Trufant (shoulder) left early against the Buccaneers, but coach Dan Quinn said after the game the severity of the injury is unknown. He is set to undergo an MRI on Friday, Quinn said.