LeSean McCoy has apparently avoided fractured ribs

LeSean McCoy has avoided fractured ribs, so now his fantasy owners can be more focused in his lack of production through two games.

During Sunday’s 31-20 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers, Buffalo Bills running back LeSean McCoy suffered what was first reported to be one or more fractured ribs. But Ian Rapoport of NFL Network brought brighter news after that, as test results on Monday showed McCoy has no fractures in his ribs.

McCoy was reportedly going to try to play through broken ribs, so he’ll presumably do the same through whatever issue he actually has. He wouldn’t be the first to play with a rib injury, but the bigger question is how effective he’ll be.

Negative game scripts in both games this season haven’t helped, along with the injury that took him out on Sunday. But McCoy has just 89 yards from scrimmage (16 carries for 61 yards) thus far, behind a porous offensive line, and now he’s banged up.

Chris Ivory had a rushing touchdown in McCoy’s place in Sunday, and Marcus Murphy had three carries and one catch in the game. Some kind of committee situation seems likely if McCoy misses any games, with Ivory likely in a lead role.

For now, McCoy’s fantasy owners can expect him to play in Week 3 against the Minnesota Vikings in a tough matchup with a rookie quarterback making his second start. None of that screams great situation, but if McCoy is active, can stay in the game and the game isn’t a blowout, touch volume shouldn’t be problem. That’s a lot of “ifs”, and if the game is one-sided McCoy may be pulled out to protect his ribs.

If he’s going to play through his rib injury, McCoy’s fantasy owners probably have to start him in some capacity every week. But those in deeper leagues could consider adding and stashing Ivory as a handcuff.