Celebrations were abound at Ralph Wilson Stadium Sunday following the last-second touchdown that sealed the victory for Buffalo Bills. The hugs prior to halftime, however, were those of consolation.
The team's top two running backs, veteran Fred Jackson and C.J. Spiller, left Sunday's game in sequential quarters, victims of groin and collar bone injuries, respectfully. While Jackson's prognosis seems positive -- he's projected to miss about a month -- Spiller's is a bit more bleak.
With a tough start to the season and now a chance he could end up on IR following reported surgery, the elder of the two tailbacks dealt with the situation the only way he could.
"I really didn’t say anything to him," Jackson said via Chris Brown of buffalobills.com. "I just kind of gave him a big hug and put my around him and told him that I was there for him. It’s one of those things where you don’t really have the right words to say.
"The best thing is to hug him and let him know he’s not going through it alone.”
While the team awaits news on Jackson's rehab, as well as a definitive answer on Spiller's future, the Bills' backups will take the reins of the run game.
Anthony Dixon has played 66 total snaps this season, averaging more than five yards a carry on 27 attempts, while Bryce Brown has been relegated to the practice squad. The two both signed multi-year contracts this past off season after injuries plagued Jackson and Spiller last year, albeit at mainly separate times.
Jackson is nonetheless confident the pair are up to the task of carrying the offense, and he's looking forward to seeing what they can do with some extended reps.
"Those guys can do it and they will get the job done," Jackson said. "We had a chance to go through it during training camp and I’m extremely excited about what they can do. It will be fun to watch them go out there and compete and make some plays for our team."
While the team awaits news on Jackson's rehab, as well as a definitive answer on Spiller's future, the Bills' backups will take the reins of the run game.
Anthony Dixon has played 66 total snaps this season, averaging more than five yards a carry on 27 attempts, while Bryce Brown has been relegated to the practice squad. The two both signed multi-year contracts this past off season after injuries plagued Jackson and Spiller last year, albeit at mainly separate times.
Jackson is nonetheless confident the pair are up to the task of carrying the offense, and he's looking forward to seeing what they can do with some extended reps.
"Those guys can do it and they will get the job done," Jackson said. "We had a chance to go through it during training camp and I’m extremely excited about what they can do. It will be fun to watch them go out there and compete and make some plays for our team."
Adding another wrinkle into the situation, coach Doug Marrone told reporters Monday that he'd "probably" look into acquiring another running back, with Jackson's rehab likely playing a role in the decision.
