LeSean McCoy seems ready to make his return for Buffalo Bills

The LeSean McCoy trade hasn’t worked out yet for the Buffalo Bills yet, but it’s early in the season. And it looks like McCoy is returning when the Bills really need it.

McCoy, the Bills’ top running back, is probable on the Bills’ injury report, according to coach Rex Ryan. McCoy has been dealing with a hamstring injury since August. The Bills seemed to be cautious about McCoy’s availability this week, and his initial timetable had him missing this game, but a probable designation means it’s almost certain he will play.

McCoy cost the Bills a lot in a trade with the Philadelphia Eagles. They gave up young linebacker Kiko Alonso, and then gave McCoy a big contract extension. So far McCoy has been limited to three games, 146 rushing yards on 43 carries and one receiving touchdown.

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Hopefully for the Bills’ long-term prospects, McCoy isn’t rushing back. But they need McCoy back this week against the Cincinnati Bengals. McCoy’s backup Karlos Williams is dealing with a concussion and he wasn’t seen at Friday’s practice, during the portion that was open to the media. Bills quarterback Tyrod Taylor has a knee injury, and although he is listed as questionable, it seems like backup EJ Manuel will get the start. If Taylor does play, it seems likely he’ll be at far less than 100 percent.

That’s what makes McCoy’s probable return so important. When he’s right, McCoy can carry an offense, especially a Bills offense that normally depends on the run and will rely on the ground game even more if their backup quarterback has to start. Now, we just need to see if McCoy is right.

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Frank Schwab is the editor of Shutdown Corner on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at [email protected] or follow him on Twitter! Follow @YahooSchwab