Fred Jackson To Have "Significant Role" Despite Injury, Per Report

Buffalo Bills running backs Fred Jackson (sprained knee) and C.J. Spiller (sprained shoulder) are both listed as questionable for tomorrow's game against the New England Patriots. According to Jason La Canfora of CBSSports.com, one of those players is set to take on a "significant role" offensively.

That would be Jackson, who has been considered closer to a return all week; he was a limited practice participant on all three days, while Spiller missed practice on Wednesday. La Canfora tweets that Jackson is in line to see a lot of work, erasing some doubt about how limited he might be not just from a health perspective, but from a workload perspective, as well.

As for Spiller, La Canfora writes that the third-year back's availability is a "little more in doubt," which could mean that even if he does suit up, he'll be used sparingly and in very specific circumstances to try to protect that left shoulder injury. Spiller could help the team simply by being on the field - head coach Chan Gailey mentioned after practice on Friday that having Spiller keeps the team's Wildcat plans alive - in a decoy capacity, but the team will likely exercise more caution considering Spiller was injured less than a week ago.

Bills vs. Patriots Injury Report: C.J. Spiller, Fred Jackson Both Questionable

Buffalo Bills running backs C.J. Spiller (shoulder) and Fred Jackson (knee) are both listed as questionable for Sunday's Week 4 home game against the New England Patriots.

Buffalo Bills' Fred Jackson, C.J. Spiller Practicing Friday

For a second straight day, Buffalo Bills running backs Fred Jackson and C.J. Spiller are on the practice field despite dealing with lingering injuries to the knee and shoulder, respectively.

Jackson, who is expected to play against the New England Patriots on Sunday, has been limited in each of the past two days only two-plus week removed from a sprained LCL. Though he's likely going to suit up, it's still unclear how much of a workload he'll be able to handle. Jackson has already told reporters that he'll be wearing a knee brace if he plays.

Spiller, meanwhile, is practicing for a second straight day after missing Wednesday's practice with the sprained shoulder he suffered in last Sunday's win over Cleveland. He was limited on Thursday, and will likely be listed as limited again today.

We'll know after practice is over how each runner is listed on the injury report, as well as the likelihood of the two star tailbacks suiting up. Jackson seems like a shoo-in at this point, and at the very least, Spiller may end up being a game-time decision if he gets through today's practice without an issue.

Bills vs. Patriots: Fred Jackson Likely To Play, Barring Setback

Buffalo Bills head coach Chan Gailey told reporters after practice on Thursday that running back Fred Jackson is looking likely to play in Week 4 against the New England Patriots. Things are less optimistic for C.J. Spiller, however.

Bills vs. Patriots: C.J. Spiller, Fred Jackson Both Practice Thursday

Both of the Buffalo Bills' star running backs, C.J. Spiller (shoulder) and Fred Jackson (knee), are practicing the Thursday before the Bills' Week 4 game against the New England Patriots. Both will likely be limited, but this is encouraging news.

Buffalo Bills' Fred Jackson Dealing With Knee Soreness, Swelling

Buffalo Bills running back Fred Jackson told reporters before practice on Thursday that his knee was sore and swollen following his return to practice on Wednesday.

"I was a little sore this morning," Jackson said (via BuffaloBills.com). "It was a little swollen. I got in the training room and they did what they could."

Jackson still plans on practicing this afternoon. He did so in a limited capacity on Wednesday, and will very likely remain limited today if his knee can continue to allow him to get through practice.

"I still want to play and still want to get out there," Jackson continued. "Again, I’ve got to get cleared by people and that’s the goal. I still think I can play, and I still want to play. It’s just going to be about how much I can play and see what today holds."

If Jackson is able to suit up on Sunday against the New England Patriots, it's been reported that he'll do so while wearing a brace on his left knee.

Bills vs. Patriots: Fred Jackson Trying Out Knee Brace

If Bills running back Fred Jackson plays in Week 4 against New England, he'll likely be doing so with a brace on his left knee.

Bills vs. Patriots: Fred Jackson Returns To Practice

When the Buffalo Bills returned to the practice field on Wednesday to begin preparations for their Week 4 matchup with the New England Patriots this Sunday at Ralph Wilson Stadium, they were joined by veteran running back Fred Jackson.

Jackson, 31, is barely two weeks removed from a sprained LCL in his left knee suffered in a Week 1 loss to the New York Jets. That injury, which came on a low hit from safety LaRon Landry, was initially supposed to keep Jackson out for at least a month, but perhaps as long as six weeks.

All signs right now, however, point to Jackson being able to play this Sunday - which could be huge, given the iffy availability of fellow injured runner C.J. Spiller. Bills head coach Chan Gailey made sure to keep his language cautious when discussing Jackson's potential to play - the team will monitor Jackson closely during and after practice each day this week - but for now, it's safe to expect to see Jackson on the field against the Pats.

Buffalo Bills' Fred Jackson Expected To Practice This Week

The Buffalo Bills likely won't have C.J. Spiller for Week 4 against New England, but there are optimistic signs that Fred Jackson may be ready to return.

Buffalo Bills' Fred Jackson "Ahead Of Schedule" In Recovery

Buffalo Bills running back Fred Jackson is ahead of schedule in recovering from a sprained LCL suffered in Week 1. Meanwhile, C.J. Spiller is currently the NFL's leading rusher.

Buffalo Bills' Fred Jackson To Miss At Least Three Weeks

Buffalo Bills running back Fred Jackson will likely miss at least three weeks - but could be out as long as two months - after MRI results were inconclusive on his injured right knee on Monday.

Buffalo Bills' Fred Jackson To Have MRI On Monday

Buffalo Bills running back Fred Jackson - initially diagnosed with a sprained LCL - will have an MRI on Monday to determine the true extent of the knee injury he suffered Sunday against the Jets.