Bills running back LeSean McCoy's status up in the air for opener against Colts

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With defensive tackle Arthur Jones out for the season before even playing one regular season game and with a defensive line group lacking in depth, the questions are once again very prominent: can the Colts stop the run?

What everyone wants to know is whether this defense can stop the Patriots' run game, as the last several meetings between the team have been dominated by the Patriots on the ground.  Do the Colts have a group that can stop the run?  The focus is on that week six game against the Patriots, but we should get a chance to see how the run defense does far before that.

In fact, week one could provide a very interesting test for the Colts' defense, as the Buffalo Bills' offense is led by running back LeSean McCoy, who is without a doubt one of the best backs in the NFL.  And Tyrod Taylor doesn't provide even close to the same level of threat that Tom Brady does in the passing game, so it should give us a prime chance to see the Colts' run defense in action.

That is, of course, as long as McCoy plays.  And while the Bills are hopeful and optimistic, that's no sure thing right now.  McCoy suffered a hamstring injury in training camp and has been rehabbing that since.  Early last week, reports emerged saying that the Bills were concerned about whether McCoy would be able to go in week one against the Colts.  He told reporters on Friday that, "we'll wait and see," though he texted ESPN's Josina Anderson saying that "I'll be ready" and that "I'm trying to get back."

Bills head coach Rex Ryan was likewise hopeful, but wouldn't say either way.  "I'm hoping that he will be available to us," Ryan said on Friday. "And I think the only thing I mentioned was 'cautiously optimistic,' and I remain optimistic."

So the hope among the Bills and their fans is that McCoy will play, but it's no sure thing right now as he works his way back from injury.  If he can't go, it will be a big loss for a Bills offense that will be relying heavily on him this season, particularly early on with Tyrod Taylor making his first career start against the Colts in week one.

In six seasons with the Eagles, McCoy rushed for 6,792 yards and 44 touchdowns, averaging 4.6 yards per carry.  He also added 384 receptions for 2,282 yards and ten scores, proving to be consistently among the league's top running backs.  He would certainly give the Colts' run defense a big test in week one, but right now it's uncertain whether or not he will actually be ready to play for the Bills next weekend.