Fred Jackson: Bills RB Reportedly Has a Chance to Play in Week 4 vs. Patriots

Buffalo Bills running back Fred Jackson has a legitimate shot to play in Week 4's divisional clash with the New England Patriots.

According to Chris Brown of the Bills' official team website, Buffalo head coach Chan Gailey described Jackson as "ahead of schedule" in terms of where he is with his rehab following a knee injury suffered against the New York Jets in Week 1.

Jackson sprained a right knee ligament back on Sept. 9, according to Adam Schefter via ESPN.com.

Bills head coach Chan Gailey is surprised by how fast Jackson is recovering (via Brown):

"

I guess I’m shocked...It looks like he’s got a chance for the New England game and for sure the next game.

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As for Jackson, he is also confident that he can return to the field soon (via Brown):

"

New England is the goal...We’ve all been targeting four weeks from when I was injured, but hopefully it’s not that long. Hopefully I can get out there ASAP.

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The 31-year-old veteran has just six rushes for 15 yards this season, but he is coming off a 2011 season in which he averaged an impressive 5.5 yards per carry; the highest average of his career.

Fantasy owners are no doubt excited to hear that Jackson is poised for a return in the next couple of weeks. Despite the two early-season breakout performances of third-year running back C.J. Spiller, Jackson can still offer Buffalo plenty out of the backfield as a shifty runner and explosive receiver.

Jackson is still owned in nearly 93 percent of ESPN fantasy leagues, and he is a big-time performer when healthy. 

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