Orchard Park, NY (Sports Network) - Buffalo Bills running back Fred Jackson,
who's missed the last two games due to a sprained knee, was back on the field
when the team reconvened for practice on Wednesday.
Jackson did participate in some capacity and is hoping to return for Buffalo's
key Week 4 battle with fellow AFC East member New England on Sunday. The
veteran back has not played since leaving the Bills' season-opening 48-28 loss
at the New York Jets on Sept. 9 in the second quarter.
Jackson expressed optimism earlier in the week that he'd be able to return
against the Patriots, barring any setbacks in the days leading up to Sunday's
contest.
"From my point of view, I am giving myself a 70-to-75 percent chance," he said
on Monday. "I just feel it is a game we need to go out and play well. I need
to be out there, I think, to play. I think that I will have that opportunity
to get out there if I keep working and (the Bills' medical staff) keep doing
the tremendous job they are doing."
A return by Jackson, who averaged 137.6 yards from scrimmage per game in an
injury-shortened 2011 season, would be welcome news for a Buffalo team that's
expected to be without fellow running back C.J. Spiller for at least a week
after he injured his shoulder in last week's 24-14 victory at Cleveland.
Spiller, who's totaled 308 rushing yards and averaged 9.3 yards per carry over
the season's first three weeks, was not involved in Wednesday's practice but
did work off to the side with the Bills' strength and conditioning staff.
The Sports Network