The Buffalo Bills face a major test against the New England Patriots on Sunday, and the team’s core defensive leader, Kyle Williams, was unable to practice on Wednesday. Ordinarily, Williams and Lorenzo Alexander take Wednesdays off for rest days, as the elder statesmen of Buffalo’s roster. But following Sundays win over the Detroit Lions, Williams was listed with a back injury on the team’s practice report.
It’s too early to be concerned about Williams missing the next game, given that he rests on Wednesdays every other week. The last time Williams was unable to play due to a back injury was in 2016, when he missed one game. His status will be much clearer on Thursday and Friday.
Cornerback Ryan Lewis (concussion) also did not practice as he works through the rehab protocol. In terms of running backs, the team has already placed Marcus Murphy on injured reserve with a dislocated elbow. Encouragingly, LeSean McCoy (hamstring) and Chris Ivory (shoulder) are both looking for a return against the Patriots. At least one reporter watching the warm-ups Wednesday thought McCoy would be good to go.
LeSean McCoy has been cutting just fine at practice. I would be shocked if he doesn’t play Sunday. pic.twitter.com/TEzpPH2DUD
— Josh Reed (@4JoshReed) December 19, 2018