Gailey says rookie RB Spiller is starter over Lynch, Jackson

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Gailey says rookie RB Spiller is starter over Lynch, Jackson

• Associated Press
• Published: Sept. 8, 2010 at 03:10 p.m.
• Updated: Sept. 8, 2010 at 03:22 p.m.

ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. -- Ever since he was selected ninth overall in the April NFL draft, C.J. Spiller hasn't been afraid to discuss how much he wants to play a role in turning around a Buffalo Bills franchise that has been an afterthought for much of the past decade.

He'll have a chance to start proving it.

Coach Chan Gailey on Wednesday picked Spiller as his starting running back this weekend, when the Bills open the season by hosting the Miami Dolphins. Gailey based his decision on the dynamic spark that Spiller showed through much of the preseason by leading the team in scoring with three rushing touchdowns.

Spiller would have received the nod as starter even if Fred Jackson and Marshawn Lynch, who split the starting duties last year, hadn't missed much of the past month with injuries, Gailey said.

Gailey also said that Jackson, one month removed from surgery to repair a broken bone in his left hand, is expected to play, wearing a pad around the injured hand.

Gailey was less definitive about the status of free safety Jairus Byrd, who returned to practice this week after surgery to repair a groin injury three weeks ago. Byrd's status will be monitored on a daily basis.

Earlier in the day, the Bills signed tight end DajLeon Farr to the practice squad and waived tight end Derek Schouman from injured reserve.

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