Rookie C.J. Spiller will start Week 1 vs. Miami.
Rookie RB C.J. Spiller will be the Bills starting running back in their opener vs. Miami on Sunday.
Earlier this week, Spiller topped the team’s unofficial depth chart, with RBs Fred Jackson and Marshawn Lynch listed as 2a and 2b behind him. On Wednesday, coach Chan Gailey confirmed to WGRZ Sports that Spiller would indeed start in Week 1. Team writer Allen Wilson estimated Spiller to see “at least” 20 touches in the game.
Jackson (broken hand) and Lynch (high ankle sprain) are still expected to see time, but Spiller looks to be Buffalo’s featured back for the majority of the game. Spiller, the team’s 9th overall pick this year, led the NFL with 3 preseason TDs after taking over the starting job from Jackson and Lynch when they were both injured in the team’s preseason opener. He finished with 122 yards on 26 carries.
It is uncertain whether Spiller has taken over the starting gig until Jackson and Lynch are back up to 100 percent or if he’s earned the spot straight out, but Wilson added that the duo should “best prepare themselves for a smaller role on offense.”