C.J. Spiller Injury: Updates on Bills Star's Chest and Return

Updates from Sunday, Sept. 28

The Buffalo Bills confirmed that C.J. Spiller is active for Sunday's matchup vs. Houston:

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The frustrating tale of C.J. Spiller continues, as the Buffalo Bills' explosive running back is dealing with a chest injury leading into Sunday's game.

ESPN's Mike Rodak had the news:

Blessed with breakneck speed, elusiveness and versatility, Spiller is a home run waiting to happen every time he touches the ball. That was clear in 2012 when he tallied 1,703 yards from scrimmage and averaged 6.0 yards per carry. 

But new head coach Doug Marrone refused to increase his workload in 2013, partly because Spiller was nursing a high-ankle sprain for much of the season. And now this is the newest roadblock in the dynamic 27-year-old's tantalizing progression. 

It's all the more disappointing considering the praise Marrone had for his running back in the preseason: 

Fred Jackson is certainly capable of receiving more touches. He's 33 years old, but he has fewer career rushing attempts than younger players like Adrian Peterson, Marshawn Lynch, Matt Forte and LeSean McCoy. He may not be as exciting as Spiller, and he isn't the answer for Buffalo's future, but he's quietly productive, picking up more than 1,100 yards from scrimmage in four of the last five seasons. 

Still, Doug Whaley and Co. have clearly focused on infusing speed into the offense, from EJ Manuel under center to Sammy Watkins and Marquise Goodwin out wide. Losing Spiller certainly takes away several dimensions from Marrone's and Nathaniel Hackett's attack. 

Bill Wippert/Associated Press

It's also worth noting Spiller is in the final year of his deal. There has been speculation that his future in Buffalo is on its last legs, and it will be interesting to see how this injury affects his trade or free-agent value. The team notably traded for Bryce Brown during the draft, who is just 23 years old and offers some explosiveness out of the backfield.

Upon Spiller's return, let's just hope the reins are let loose and he can stay healthy. Because when that happens, there are few players more thrilling to witness.