Bills coach Doug Marrone and running back C.J. Spiller haven’t been sending the same message about the running back’s ankle recently.
Spiller said that he’s feeling “10 times better,” but Marrone suggested that sitting Spiller might be in the team’s best interest this week because they’ve been playing him at less than full speed and getting less than Spiller’s best as a result. Spiller did only individual drills on Thursday and said afterward that anyone perceiving a disconnect between him and the coach is barking up the wrong tree.
“I have no problem with Coach Marrone. I think we have a great relationship. Concerning my injury, I think we’re both on the same page. He wants what’s best for me, and he also wants what’s best for this team. He’s going to make the right decision,” Spiller said, via Mike Rodak of ESPN.com. “And I’m going to back him. So there’s definitely no feud, no miscommunication.”
Marrone said Thursday that Spiller doesn’t look as good as he says he feels, which adds to the feeling that the Bills might opt to let Spiller rest this week in hopes that avoiding even limited involvement in the offense results in a better Spiller come Week Nine.
Fred Jackson returned to a limited practice after his knee injury kept him off the field on Wednesday and stands to do the heavy lifting in the backfield this weekend regardless of Spiller’s status since he’s been the lead dog in the backfield since Spiller got hurt.