Buffalo's running back stable looks like it will be down to two come Sunday in Washington. That's because veteran Anthony Thomas' status for Sunday's game appears bleak as he is not expected to play.
"I'm not optimistic about Anthony," said head coach Dick Jauron. "It's a torn muscle and he's very sore and it's swollen."
The injured area is near the top of the calf muscle behind the knee, but it's not his calf. Just how long he'll be unable to practice or play has not been determined due to the rarity of this kind of injury.
"It's an unusual tear from what I understand," said Jauron. "Very seldom do our medical people see this by itself. When it tears it usually tears in conjunction with other things. So it's good news in that regard, but they're not certain because they hardly ever see it in terms of how long it's going to take."
When asked if Thomas could be out of action for a period of time Jauron didn't rule it out.
"Potentially, yes," Jauron said. "We'll just have to wait and see."
However, Jauron does not believe that Thomas will need surgery and does not anticipate that the veteran tailback will need to be placed on injured reserve.
But it does mean that Fred Jackson will likely start at running back Sunday with Dwayne Wright contributing as well.
"We like both of those guys," said Jauron. "Fred had an expanded role last week and he played well in that role and he played well in his limited role against the Patriots. If that's where it takes us we feel okay with that."
In limited action Jackson has averaged 3.8 yards per carry on nine carries for 34 yards. He also has eight receptions for 55 yards on the season.
Jackson was the team's leading rusher and receiver in the preseason.
The first-year back was used last week as a complement to Thomas against Jacksonville and had five carries for 18 yards and five receptions for 47 yards. He believes his time on the field last Sunday will serve him well this weekend.
"It definitely gives you confidence," said Jackson. "To go out and play against a team like Jacksonville and go out and do some of the things I was able to do. I'm looking forward to it. It was a great building block for me so I'm looking forward. This is the next step."
