ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. -- Terrence McGee missed practice Thursday, one day after aggravating a knee injury and leaving the Buffalo Bills cornerback questionable to play against the Pittsburgh Steelers this weekend.
On the bright side for the Bills, rookie running back C.J. Spiller has a chance to play Sunday after practicing for the first time since hurting his right hamstring during a 14-12 victory over the Detroit Lions on Nov. 14.
Bills coach Chan Gailey called Spiller's progress "encouraging." The coach was less optimistic about McGee playing, though he didn't believe the injury to be long term.
McGee aggravated the injury early in practice Wednesday, when he limped off the field and climbed into a cart before being driven away for treatment. He had played as a backup the past two weeks after missing five games while recovering from surgery to repair a nerve problem behind his knee.
The Bills (2-8) are coming off two consecutive wins in hosting the Steelers (7-3), who are tied with the Baltimore Ravens atop the AFC North.
Spiller was cautious about his status.
"It's slow progress, but we're right on schedule," he said, noting he was able to burst and cut during his few carries in practice. "My intention is to try to go. But I've got to come in tomorrow and see how it feels."
Spiller said he didn't feel any stiffness, but he hasn't had an opportunity to test himself at game speed. Without Spiller in a 49-31 win at Cincinnati last Sunday, the Bills had Quinton Ganther and Jehuu Caulcrick backing up starter Fred Jackson.
Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press
