Buffalo Bills running back LeSean McCoy injured his thumb Sunday and had to leave the game against the Cincinnati Bengals. According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, he had a procedure on his thumb Monday but is expected to be available for the team’s upcoming game against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Rex Ryan told reporters after the game that McCoy suffered a dislocated thumb. The medical staff was unable to pop it back into place, which is why he was shut down early in Sunday’s game.
The Bills are lucky to have another dynamic back available in Mike Gillislee, but there can be no doubt that McCoy is the key to the offense. He is averaging 5.2 yards per carry this year, ranking among the top 10 in rushing yards (7716) and rushing touchdowns (seven). McCoy also has caught 26 passes for 144 yards and one touchdown.
Buffalo is currently right on the playoff bubble in the AFC. With a record of 5-5, the Bills would be out of the playoffs if they started today but are still right in the thick of things with six weeks left to play. If they have any hope of breaking a decades-long postseason drought, then McCoy will need to be healthy and productive down the home stretch.