While the Browns are busy with their evaluation of the running backs already on their roster, the Bills have emerged as the most likely suitor for Ray Rice's services before the 2015 NFL season starts.

Rice already could've been in the Buffalo camp if projected starter LeSean McCoy's hamstring injury that he suffered last week had been deemed more serious, CBS Sports is reporting.

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"The fact remains that McCoy could still miss more time than projected, and if the Bills suffer another setback to a runner -- they had about five of them out for last week's game against Cleveland -- I wouldn't rule this one out," CBS Sports' Jason La Canfora reported.

"This team wants to make a playoff push and (Bills coach Rex) Ryan saw Rice at his best both professionally and personally. As I reported back at the March owner's meeting, Ryan is one of Rice's many former coaches who support him and believe he deserves another shot."

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Ryan was the Ravens' defensive coordinator when Rice entered the league in 2008 with Baltimore. Ryan moved to the Jets in 2009 as head coach.

Rice has another connection to Bills owner Terry Pegula; he and Todd France - Rice's agent - once were business partners, Pegula having acquired France's agency before relinquishing it as a condition for buying the Bills.

The Browns' interest in Rice -- because of his connection with Cleveland running backs coach Wilbur Montgomery and the lackluster play of Browns RBs Terrence West and Isaiah Crowell -- has dissipated with the return of rookie Duke Johnson from a hamstring injury.

Johnson, however, said he's had hamstring issues since high school, ESPN reported, which should keep Rice on alert status.

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