Bills RB LeSean McCoy remains in the concussion protocol, but he is practicing on a limited basis. It's an encouraging sign that he'll be available for Buffalo's Monday night game against the Patriots.
With McCoy being able to resume football specific activities (practice) it means he's already reached step four of the return-to-participation protocol.
Step one is rest and recovery. Step two is light aerobic exercise and step three is continued aerobic exercise and introduction of strength training. If a player in concussion protocol gets through all those steps without a return of any concussion-like symptoms he can move on to football specific activities on a non-contact basis.
McCoy is wearing a red non-contact jersey in practice, but can perform running, catching and other position-specific activities.
The last step of the return-to-participation protocol for McCoy to clear is step five, which is full football activity or medical clearance to play.
The Bills team physician is the first to clear him and then McCoy must be examined by an Independent Neurological Consultant assigned to the club. As long as the INC agrees with the team doctor that McCoy's concussion has resolved, he can play Monday night.
McCoy has rolled up at least 100 total yards from scrimmage in each of his last five meetings against the Patriots.
Anderson's scheme familiarity growing
Derek Anderson has taken advantage of the team's extra down time this week with the Monday night game by absorbing more of the offensive playbook. Now almost three weeks invested in offensive coordinator Brian Daboll's scheme, there is a strong likelihood that Daboll can have a larger list of plays to choose from in this week's game plan for New England.
"Without getting into strategy too much, the more days he's here, the more he's aware of what we're trying to do and the more you can do," said head coach Sean McDermott. "He's worked hard over the last couple of days and we have an extra day this week, so it's been good."
Anderson is coming off a 20-31 passing performance for 175 yards last week against the Colts that unfortunately included three interceptions. But he did help lift Kelvin Benjamin to his most productive game of the season with four receptions for 71 yards.
Allen and Murphy both still sidelined
QB Josh Allen was already declared out for the Monday night game against the Patriots. So it was no surprise that he is not practicing with the team on Thursday. Allen is still working his way back from a sprained elbow on his throwing arm.
Meanwhile DE Trent Murphy is also a non-participant at practice for the Bills today. Murphy sustained a knee injury late in the game last week against the Colts. He was listed as week-to-week, so it would not be surprising if he can't get back on the practice field this week.
RB Taiwan Jones remains sidelined with a neck injury.
