USA Today

Buffalo Bills running back LeSean McCoy suffered a hamstring injury in a non-contact seven-on-seven drill during practice on Aug. 18, according to Jon Doss of WHAM in Rochester, New York. However, he is active for Week 1 against the Indianapolis Colts.

NFL Network's Albert Breer reported earlier on Sunday the "Bills plan to give Shady McCoy the bulk of the work at RB in his first game action off the hamstring. Maybe not a full load, but close."

"I feel good," McCoy said after practice on Sept. 9, via Mike Rodak of ESPN. He continued:

I feel like the medical staff has done a good job of preparing me so far. And then practicing, I've just been doing light loads, each day doing more and more. I feel comfortable. I'm not sure if I'll be exactly 100 percent, but I feel good enough to go out there and compete.

"I think he's gonna be ready to roll," Bills head coach Rex Ryan said, per Rodak. Ryan added McCoy was a full participant in practice.

Joe Buscaglia of WKBW reported on Sept. 8 that "McCoy took part in the individual portion of practice." The Bills captured a photo of McCoy's participation:

Buscaglia previously reported on Aug. 25 that McCoy was working with a trainer on his own.

Cole: Bills Believe They 'Dodged Bullet' with McCoy Injury

Wednesday, Aug. 19

Cole reported the team believes it dodged a bullet with the severity of the injury:

McCoy Injures Hamstring in Practice

Tuesday, Aug. 18

Rodak reported McCoy was sitting on the field with trainers surrounding him before he limped to the sideline. Rodak also provided a picture of McCoy walking to the locker room:

Any McCoy absence this season would be a significant blow to the Bills' playoff chances. He tallied 1,319 rushing yards last season for the Philadelphia Eagles and is not far removed from an explosive 2013 campaign, during which he recorded 2,146 total yards and 11 touchdowns.

He is one of the most dangerous playmakers in the league with his shifty cuts in holes, impressive vision and the speed to turn a five-yard gain into an 80-yard touchdown, and the Bills likely plan on using him as their go-to option on offense.

Former NFL running back LaDainian Tomlinson predicted a successful transition to the Bills for McCoy coming into the season, via Michael Fabiano of NFL.com:

Buffalo boasts a strong defense entering the 2015 campaign, but its biggest question still hovers over the quarterback position, with Tyrod Taylor winning the job over EJ Manuel and Matt Cassel.



If alternatives are required, running backs Boobie Dixon, Karlos Williams and Bryce Brown will all be options.

Buffalo has plenty of weapons and a strong defense that can keep it in the AFC playoff mix. Still, McCoy is a special player, and it is difficult to imagine a division title for the Bills without him on the field.