While the Buffalo Bills have been preparing to play without LeSean McCoy in Sunday's home game against the Dallas Cowboys, and while the team has already played more than one game without tight end Charles Clay in the lineup, a surprising name on the injury report this week is that of rookie cornerback Ronald Darby.
Listed as a limited practice participant on Wednesday with a groin ailment, Darby did not practice at all on Thursday, throwing his status for Week 16 into question. Coupled with the absence of top cornerback Stephon Gilmore, who was placed on Injured Reserve last week, the Bills' cornerback position - a clear area of strength on an otherwise disappointing defense in 2015 - might be in a world of hurt.
Charles Clay and Ronald Darby did not practice today, putting their status for Sunday in question. Tomorrow looms large. #Bills
— Joe Buscaglia (@JoeBuscaglia) December 24, 2015
Darby's prognosis can obviously change if he's able to practice later this week, even on a limited basis. He finished last week's loss to Washington without issue, which helps his chances. If Darby can't play, Mario Butler would be a primary candidate for increased playing time across from Gilmore's replacement, Leodis McKelvin.