LeSean McCoy Injury Update: Will The Buffalo Bills Running Back Play On Sunday? His Agent Gives An Encouraging Update

LeSean McCoy has gotten an encouraging injury update, with new reports that the Buffalo Bills running back may be on the field for Sunday’s game against the Miami Dolphins.

The running back had led the Bills to a four-game winning streak and a place just behind the New England Patriots in the AFC East, but now he is in danger of missing Sunday’s contest after suffering a hamstring injury in practice on Wednesday. Although the initial outlook was rough for McCoy, there are now signs that he could still be in the lineup for the Bills.

Things looked bleak in the initial wake of Wednesday’s injury. ESPN had reported late on Thursday that McCoy would be out for Sunday’s game.

“Buffalo Bills running back LeSean McCoy will miss Sunday’s game against the Miami Dolphins after injuring his hamstring in Wednesday’s practice, a source told ESPN’s Josina Anderson.

“Bills coach Rex Ryan had said earlier Thursday that McCoy did not suffer a “full blown” hamstring injury and he was hopeful of having him back Sunday. The running back did not participate in Thursday’s practice but watched part of the session from the sideline.”

But others closer to the team reported that there was still a chance LeSean McCoy could be on the field for the Buffalo Bills.

Contrary to report I've been told there is still a chance #Bills RB LeSean McCoy plays Sunday in Miami. Still hope Bills fans

— Josh Reed (@4JoshReed) October 20, 2016

McCoy’s agent has also given an update on his status, contradicting Thursday’s report that he would definitely be out for the game against the Miami Dolphins.

“Agent Drew Rosenhaus, contradicting an ESPN report that McCoy will definitely miss the Week Seven contest with a hamstring injury, said Friday on WQAM radio in Miami that McCoy will be a game-time decision,” Pro Football Talk noted.

There are already some encouraging signs for the Buffalo Bills. McCoy was seen at practice on Friday, catching footballs, and testing his hamstring.

If LeSean McCoy isn’t able to play on Sunday, it would be a major blow to the Buffalo Bills. The team has adopted a run-first offensive strategy, with McCoy leading the way to the tune of 587 total yards and seven touchdowns through six games. He is also averaging a career-best 5.6 yards per carry.

More importantly, it has been McCoy often putting the team on his back through the four-game winning streak. He has been the first option on offense and a key cog in the passing attack, taking pressure off quarterback Tyrod Taylor. The Bills are going up against a Dolphins defense that ranks last in the league against the rush.

The Buffalo Bills are already shorthanded on offense going into Sunday’s game. Receiver Sammy Watkins remains out with a foot injury, and No. 2 receiver Robert Woods could likely miss Sunday’s game as well. The Bills will get a boost on the other side of the ball, with first-round pick Shaq Lawson taking the field for the first time and Marcell Dareus potentially making the first appearance of the season after missing four games due to suspension and two more for an injury.

If the Bills could manage a win against the Dolphins, it would send them into Week 8 with a chance to beat the New England Patriots at home and move into first place in the AFC East.

The question of whether LeSean McCoy will play for the Buffalo Bills on Sunday likely won’t be answered anytime soon. The team has officially listed him as questionable for Sunday’s game, and beat reporters note that he is expected to be a game-time decision.

LeSean McCoy will be a game time decision Sunday. Listed as questionable. #Bills

— Chris Brown (@ChrisBrownBills) October 21, 2016

If LeSean McCoy isn’t able to play on Sunday, the Bills would plug in No. 2 running back Mike Gillislee. He has been used sparingly to spell McCoy this season but is averaging 6.9 yards per carry.

[Featured Image by Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images]