Sammy Watkins Injury: Updates on Bills Star's Foot and Return

Buffalo Bills wide receiver Sammy Watkins suffered a setback with his injured foot on Sept. 23 and was placed on injured reserve on Sept. 30. He was officially activated on Saturday and is ready to return.

Continue for updates.

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Watkins Active vs. Jaguars

Sunday, Nov. 27

The Bills announced that Watkins is available to play against the Jaguars Sunday.

ESPN's Adam Schefter, citing a source, reported on Sunday morning that Watkins will start but be on a pitch count due to "conditioning concerns."

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Latest on Watkins' Practice Status

Friday, Nov. 25

Matthew Fairburn of NewYorkUpstate.com shared video of Watkins at Friday's session:

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Ryan Comments on Watkins' Recovery and Potential Return

Thursday, Nov. 24

Head coach Rex Ryan said Watkins is expected to play in some capacity against the Jaguars, barring a setback, per Joe Buscaglia of WKBW.

Ryan said on Nov. 21 that he's hoping Watkins can "play some" against the Jaguars. He added that he's not sure how realistic that is, per Fairburn.

Ryan told reporters on Wednesday that "Watkins has been working closely with wide receivers coach Sanjay Lal" during his eight-week recovery.

"He's been doing everything that's asked of him," Ryan added. "We're not gonna run him till his tongue is hanging out. We're being smart. We'll limit him...(and hope for Sunday)," Ryan concluded.

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Watkins Comments on Recovery

Wednesday, Nov. 23

Watkins told reporters that he "isn't concerned" about his foot injury being a long-term problem but said that if he has further issues, he could decide on another surgery and come back next season.

Watkins explained that he won't be playing if he isn't healthy, per Vic Carucci of the Buffalo News:

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There’s always pressure on us athletes, but not to go out on the field and not feel good. I’m not going to do that. But if I feel good, of course, I’m going to go out there and play and I’m going to do my best. But it’s really about being healthy. If I’m healthy enough to play and they think I’m healthy, then I’m going to go out there. I’m not going to go out there unhealthy.

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Watkins also said that the time away from the field was a "blessing" and believes he's fully healthy. However, he wouldn't say if he would play against the Jaguars.

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Watkins Reportedly Avoids 2nd Surgery

Wednesday, Oct. 12

Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reported Dr. Robert Anderson recommended rest and rehab over a second surgery for Watkins, adding a "late-season return is possible."

Previously, Schefter, citing a league source, reported, "Watkins [is] scheduled to fly to North Carolina this week to meet with Dr. Robert Anderson to determine if he needs a second surgery on his foot that would end his season."

Schefter added that the "belief is Watkins likely will need the surgery, and if he does, it officially would end his season."

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Watkins a Crucial Playmaker for Bills

When healthy, Watkins is a dynamic playmaker on the outside with game-breaking ability that the Bills desperately need. His importance to the offense can't be overstated, given the severe lack of depth Buffalo sports at wide receiver.

His availability is a constant concern, though. While he missed just three games across his first two seasons, he regularly dealt with a variety of minor ailments. That hasn't changed during the current campaign, as he's dealt with lingering foot pain.

Buffalo's offense was already built like a house of cards, with Watkins and LeSean McCoy being the vital pieces of the foundation for an otherwise shaky group.                     

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Ready to go out there and compete at the highest level!  pic.twitter.com/YNYnuCmWZo

— King Me (@sammywatkins) September 25, 2016"