ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. -- Making his earlier-than-expected return to the field Sunday against the Kansas City Chiefs, Buffalo Bills running back Fred Jackson ran out of the tunnel in pregame introductions toting the American flag.
As it turned out, that might have been Jackson's most extensive action of the day.
Playing in his 100th career game, the gritty and well-respected veteran ran just three times in the Bills' 17-13 loss to the Chiefs. He had been listed as questionable on the injury report after returning to practice Wednesday.
Was there ever a chance he wouldn't play?
"No," Jackson said. "I knew Monday. I was confident in everything I had done that I would be able to compete. Unfortunately it wasn't enough but I knew I had the ability to come out and play."
Jackson was more productive in the passing game (four catches for 39 yards) than in the running game, where the Bills leaned more on Anthony Dixon (nine carries) and Bryce Brown (seven carries).
"Those guys played well today so there wasn't any extra need for me to be out there and push through it," Jackson said.
Brown saw his most extensive action since being acquired in an offseason trade, leading the Bills with six catches for 65 yards while adding 35 yards rushing.
However, his performance was overshadowed by a 12-yard run in the third quarter when Brown, who was steps away from the end zone, had the ball stripped by Chiefs safety Ron Parker. It squirted out of the back of the end zone, resulting in a touchback.
"That play is the one that people are going to talk about," coach Doug Marrone said. "But there were some encouraging things with him coming out [of the] backfield and receiving and running. There are encouraging things there."
