Bills vs. Bears 2014: Brandon Spikes, Anthony Dixon dinged up on Thursday

Buffalo Bills linebacker Brandon Spikes and running back Anthony Dixon were added to the team's ongoing injury report as preparations for Sunday's season opener against the Chicago Bears continue.

Spikes left the practice field early in the session with a knee injury, then was spotted on the sidelines riding a stationary bike surrounded by trainers. He ultimately returned to practice, though was still listed as a limited participant on Thursday. The Bills are already thin at linebacker, so it's obviously vital that Spikes be able to play on Sunday.

The news sounds a bit more concerning for Dixon, who left practice early with a hamstring tweak and, unlike Spikes, was unable to finish the session. The free agent signing from San Francisco profiles not only as the third running back - perhaps even a short-yardage specialist - but as a key member of the team's special teams units, as well. The team still has Bryce Brown behind C.J. Spiller and Fred Jackson, so the special teams concern might be a higher priority for the team.

Rookie wide receiver Sammy Watkins (ribs) practiced in full again, as did two more players that were limited on Wednesday: cornerback Stephon Gilmore (groin) and reserve linebacker Randell Johnson (ankle).

Jonathan Meeks (neck) was once again limited; he has not played since the Bills' second preseason game. For a second straight day, tight end Lee Smith (toe) did not practice. The odds that Buffalo's run-blocking tight end will be available against the Bears appear to be small.