The Bills are still alive in the playoff race, but will be without backup running back Travaris Cadet for the rest of the season because of a dislocated ankle he suffered vs. the Patriots, reports Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle (Twitter link).
Wilson adds that the 28-year-old will have is ankle reset on Wednesday and should be on track to make a full recovery in 12 weeks. The former undrafted free agent had carved out a bit of a role in Buffalo as the change of pace back when LeSean McCoy was off the field. Cadet was cut by the Jets back in October, but quickly caught on with division rival Bills for the past six games.
In his sixth season in the league, Cadet caught 16 balls for over 100 yards, while also averaging over four yards per carry during his time in Buffalo.
Without Cadet, head coach Sean McDermott will likely rely even McCoy even more to create offense out of the backfield in Week 17. Veteran running back Mike Tolbert is the only backup at the position on the roster, so expect the Bills to either promote practice squad running back Marcus Murphy or bring in a free agent to provide some depth in the backfield.
Buffalo must win on the road in Miami next week to keep their playoff hopes alive. Though they also need some help from the likes of the Ravens, Titans and Chargers.