The banged-up Buffalo Bills saw a pair of key players return to work on Wednesday.
Running back LeSean McCoy and wideout Sammy Watkins both opened practice with the first-string offense, per Tyler Dunne of The Buffalo News.
Along with the duo, quarterback Tyrod Taylor took the session's opening snaps after coach Rex Ryan said Wednesday that he "would not rule out" the signal-caller for Sunday's tilt with the undefeated Cincinnati Bengals. Taylor told reporters on Wednesday he expects to start.
McCoy has missed the past two games with a nagging hamstring injury, while Watkins hasn't played since straining his calf against the Dolphins in Week 3. After taking snaps with the starters, McCoy worked with position coach Anthony Lynn while wearing a resistance band wrapped around his waist. Dunne noted that Shady was "doing everything" during the media portion of practice with rookie back Karlos Williams still shelved with a concussion.
As for Taylor, we're suspicious of his availability against the Bengals after a source told NFL Media on Tuesday that the upstart passer suffered an MCL injury last week and will be kept out of Sunday's game. That could change, but it's possible Ryan is hoping to keep the Bengals guessing right up until kickoff.
"I definitely should be out there Sunday whether I'm hurt or not," Watkins said.
If Taylor can't go, the return of McCoy and Watkins would still serve as a major boost for an attack that hasn't been at full strength at any point this season.
Other injuries we're tracking on this top-shelf Wednesday:
- NFL Media's Albert Breer reported Patriots offensive tackle Nate Solder tore his right biceps and is out for the remainder of the season, per a source briefed on the injury. The team officially placed him on season-ending injured reserve.
- Bills safety Aaron Williams (neck) was placed on the injured reserve, designated for return list.
- Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (knee) participated in 7-on-7 work during Wednesday's practice, per ESPN's Jeremy Fowler. Big Ben desperately wants to suit up this week against the Cardinals and his former play caller, Bruce Arians.
- While Cardinals safety Tyrann Mathieu (heel) and receiver John Brown (hamstring) missed practice, Arians said he expects both back on Thursday. Linebacker LaMarr Woodley (chest) also sat out.
- Jaguars quarterback Blake Bortles said that his shoulder feels "fine" and he doesn't expect any limitations during this week's practice. Bortles added that he expects to play Sunday against the Texans.
Coach Gus Bradley said there's a chance defensive tackle Sen'Derrick Marks (knee) will play Sunday.
- Colts coach Chuck Pagano said quarterback Andrew Luck (shoulder) was limited in practice but is headed in the right direction, Breer reported.
- NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport reported Cowboys pass rusher Randy Gregory (high-ankle sprain) is expected to return following the team's Week 6 bye, according to a source informed of the injury. NFL Network's Desmond Purnell reported Dez Bryant (foot) didn't practice, but has showed improvement in his rehabilitation.
- Lions coach Jim Caldwell announced that DeAndre Levy (hip) will undergo surgery. A determination on whether or not he will be placed on IR hasn't been made. Rapoport reported the Lions will wait two to three weeks before making a final decision on Levy, per a source informed of his condition.
Running back Joique Bell (ankle) was a full participant in practice and tight end Eric Ebron (knee) was limited, per the team.
- Browns quarterback Josh McCown was limited in practice with a sore ankle.
- Redskins coach Jay Gruden said DeSean Jackson (hamstring) needs to be 100 percent before he can return. "It's getting closer, he ran some deep balls (on Wednesday)," Gruden said. Jackson has yet to turn on "absolute gas." If Jackson does not return this weekend, Gruden expects the receiver to be back for the team's Week 7 versus the Buccaneers.
- Bill O'Brien said Texans linebacker Jadeveon Clowney (ankle) and defensive end Jared Crick (knee) are day-to-day. Per Rapoport, Clowney will likely play Sunday against the Jaguars.
- Bears wideout Alshon Jeffery (hamstring) and Pernell McPhee (knee) were limited at practice, per the team.
- Manti Te'o did not practice. Te'o exited the Chargers' Monday night contest to have his ankle taped but re-entered the game.
- Seahawks running back Marshawn Lynch (hamstring) will practice Thursday and looks "ready to go" for full load on Sunday, coach Pete Carroll said. Linebacker Bobby Wagner (pectoral) is day-to-day and will be a possible game-time decision.
- The Raiders fear defensive end Justin Tuck has a torn pectoral muscle, a source informed of the player's situation told Rapoport. Tuck is still undergoing tests, but he will miss games and there's a chance he could be done for the season, Rapoport added. Coach Jack Del Rio told reporters Wednesday that the results of Tuck's MRI were "not good." He did not elaborate on the nature of the injury.
- The Ravens announced running back Lorenzo Taliaferro (foot) has been placed on IR.
- Saints receiver Marques Colston (shoulder) is doubtful to play in Thursday night's game against the Falcons, the team announced. The injury not expected to be a long-term one, Rapoport reported.
Left tackle Terron Armstead (knee) is also doubtful for Thursday, according to the Saints.
- Giants cornerback Prince Amukamara suffered a pectoral strain in Sunday's win over the 49ers, a source told Rapoport. His status for Monday Night Football is in doubt.
