Report: Bills have had internal discussions about signing Ray Rice

With running back LeSean McCoy expected to be sidelined until the season begins with a hamstring injury, and nearly every other running back on the roster battling injuries, the Buffalo Bills are thinking outside the box.

The team recently began internal discussions about the possibility of signing Ray Rice, according to FOX Sports' Mike Garafolo.

A Bills source disputes the report, telling Vic Carucci of The Buffalo News there is "zero" chance Rice will be signed.

Rice, of course, hasn't played in the NFL since video of him punching his then-fiancee in the face emerged before the 2014 season.

He has completed the legal obligations resulting from the case and has campaigned for a second chance in the NFL. So far, no teams are biting.

The Bills could represent an ideal landing spot. Head coach Rex Ryan has a history of taking on players with checkered histories (just last week, the Bills claimed the linebacker who punched Geno Smith) and he is great at shielding his players from media criticism.

Rice will likely have to accept a minimum contract similar to the one Chris Johnson signed with the Arizona Cardinals if he wants to play this season.