In a move that came as a bit of a surprise, the Buffalo Bills parted ways with long-time running back Fred Jackson on Monday. Jackson had been expected to be the primary backup to offseason acquisition LeSean McCoy, but was instead released in a move that saved the Bills just over $2.5 million.

In the wake of that move, it's probably not good news that head coach Rex Ryan was non-commital on the subject of McCoy's availability for the team's Week 1 game against the Colts. McCoy has been rehabbing a hamstring injury he suffered during training camp and has not played in either of the team's last two preseason games.

"Well we certainly expect him to be ready to go, I hope," Rex said, per ESPN's Mike Rodak. "If not then the next man has to step up. Boobie (Dixon) got a lot of reps out there today. Bryce Brown got a lot of reps today. So we will see. I am not going to put that all on one man. If he is not ready to go, he won’t be in there."

Dixon and Brown were the third and fourth-string backs on last year's team. They both wound up getting work in due to injuries to Jackson and the departed C.J. Spiller. Dixon carried 105 times for 432 yards and two scores while Brown toted the rock 36 times for 126 yards. Also available to pitch in is rookie Karlos Williams, whom the Bills drafted in the fifth round out of Florida State.

McCoy potentially missing a game against the Colts cuts both ways. The Bills need him on the field in order to match scores with Andrew Luck and the Indy offense, but the Colts' run defense isn't exactly a powerhouse to begin with and they will likely be without presumed starter Arthur Jones, who tore ligaments in his ankle and needs surgery. That's a scenario that could set up McCoy's replacements to perform admirably if he winds up sitting out.

LeSean McCoy's Week 1 status is in doubt. (USATSI)