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

Updates from Sunday, Nov. 9

The Bills confirm Sammy Watkins is available for today's game:

Updates from Friday, Nov. 7

Joe Buscaglia of WGR Sports Radio 550 has an update on Sammy Watkins' status at practice on Friday:

Syracuse.com's Matthew Fairburn has more detail:

ESPN's Mike Rodak provides Watkins' thoughts on the injury:

Updates from Thursday, Nov. 6

John Wawrow of The Associated Press has an update on Sammy Watkins' status:

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 Bills rookie receiver Sammy Watkins will be ready to play against Kansas City this weekend despite hurting his groin in practice, a person familiar with the diagnosis told The Associated Press.

The person spoke on the condition of anonymity because coach Doug Marrone declined to provide details of the injury after Watkins was hurt in practice Wednesday. The person said Watkins is fine and ready to go.

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Jay Skurski of The Buffalo News reports on Watkins' status at Thursday's practice: 

Original text

The Buffalo Bills' 2014 season is in a holding pattern after star rookie Sammy Watkins left the team's practice Wednesday with a groin injury, according to ESPN's Mike Rodak:

Fox Sports 1 NFL insider Mike Garafolo added the following details:

ESPN's Adam Schefter reveals Watkins will undergo further tests:

The former Clemson Tigers star has become a crucial part of the team's passing game. Despite switching quarterbacks in midseason (and perhaps because of it), Watkins' talent has been undeniable. He's racked up 590 yards on 38 catches for five touchdowns on the year, emerging as the top receiving threat in the Bills offense.    

Watkins received rave reviews during training camp, which only served to raise expectations for his debut campaign. CBSSports.com's Pat Kirwan thought an 80-catch season wouldn't be out of the question:

The star rookie then missed some time during the preseason with a rib injury, causing some initial concern.

Although any potential absence would leave a big hole in Buffalo's offense, the Bills would be able to call upon Robert Woods and Mike Williams. While neither one has had the role in the offense that Watkins has, both Woods and Williams could shoulder the load. Both are capable pass-catchers who give Kyle Orton some options through the air. Tight end Scott Chandler could possibly see more targets as well, as could Chris Hogan.

Buffalo's typically strong running game has struggled a bit this season, and it doesn't help that both Fred Jackson and C.J. Spiller are on the shelf. That leaves Boobie Dixon and Bryce Brown carrying the load for now. 

Buffalo would certainly struggle if its first-round draft pick is on the sidelines. At 5-3, the Bills are firmly in the playoff hunt. But they'll need a healthy Watkins to make a push down the stretch.