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With LeSean McCoy (hamstring) and Karlos Williams (concussion) looking unlikely to go, Dixon, also known as "Boobie," is scheduled to start the game.
But if Herron finds a rhythm, Buffalo News staffer Tyler Dunne advised readers not to be be surprised at all if the Bills lean on their new running back right away.
“All three guys will play," running backs coach Anthony Lynn said. "We’ll use them in certain roles and a lot of that is determined by what kind of game it’s going to be.”
Asked if Herron could play Sunday considering he just signed this week, Lynn jumped right in.
“Boom’s going to play. What do you mean ‘could?’ Boom’s going to play," he said. "That was the whole deal — get somebody who’s ready to play Sunday, who’s in good enough shape and could pick up the system.”
Dixon had 105 carries for 432 yards and two touchdowns last season while Herron played a pivotal role for the Indianapolis Colts in the postseason last winter. Wood has been with the team since signing in training camp.
By the sounds of it, the Bills may still believe Dixon is best suited for more of a short-yardage role.
In addition, Dixon missed most of training camp with a calf injury and, as Lynn notes, he was already recovering from a knee injury.
"So he hasn’t been quite as explosive as I’ve seen him in the past," Lynn said. "That’s why we went and signed another guy. We’ll use him in situations he can compete in — big personnel packages, short yardage, goal line. Excellent blocker. We’ll use him as a power back.
“When he was healthy, I don’t know if he was that explosive. He’s a 250-pound tailback. I’d like to see 240 but he’s 250.”
Added Lynn, "He’s always made his money off power, off breaking tackles and just wearing a team down so he’s been a good complement everywhere he’s been. I see him in a complementary role Sunday.
“These guys are hungry. They’re ready to take advantage of the opportunity. So that’s how they look at it. It’s next man up and they don’t blink."
Still, Lynn is confident that in Dixon, Herron and Wood -- however carries are divided up -- that the Bills have enough this weekend.
But it sounds like fantasy owners shouldn't be overly confident in Dixon getting the lion's share. It could happen. But it's far from certain.
Also worth noting. ... Charles Clay was added to Thursday's injury report; he was limited by a sore calf that head coach Rex Ryan downplayed.
"Yeah, it was just a little thing," Ryan said. "We just put him as limited because I took him out. We had him out for a couple of plays. He’s fine."