Buffalo Bills star wide receiver Sammy Watkins played through a rib injury earlier this season, and his recent, scintillating play is partially due to improved quarterback play with Kyle Orton starting, his own development as a receiver, and the fact that he is now fully healthy. Unfortunately, Watkins picked up another injury today, as he aggravated a groin issue at practice today and was unable to complete the session.
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Thankfully, a source informs ESPN’s Adam Schefter that the Bills do not expect Watkins’s latest groin injury to be serious, though they will play things safe with their standout rookie by taking him in for a precautionary MRI. I don’t think Watkins will be able to practice tomorrow, but it will be interesting to see if he can practice this week. If he can’t, then the Bills will have to face Sean Smith, Eric Berry, and the rolling Kansas City Chiefs without their most dynamic offensive player.
Watkins is a top Rookie of the Year candidate with 38 receptions for 590 yards and five touchdowns, as he’s been torching defenses and making key receptions all season long. As we expected, Watkins has combined elite physical tools with an uncanny feel for the game, and this year’s wide receiver class has certainly lived up to its billing. Many wide receiver have been able to make an immediate impact like Watkins, and wide receiver is usually a tough position to adjust to because of the nuances of playing the position consistently well; Watkins has clearly done that thus far.