Archives for October 1, 2016

'When he has been able to play, Watkins has been one of the top young receivers in the league with 131 receptions for 2,092 yards and 15 touchdowns. But in one game this season, against the Jets, Watkins wasn’t a downfield threat and Ryan admitted Friday, he’s uncertain when — or if — Watkins might return.'

'So the Bills gave him a congratulatory slap on the butt, and Hogan has set the tone to take his career to a new level with the Patriots’ passing attack. He has been a featured receiver, and his chemistry with Tom Brady throughout the offseason suggests he’ll continue to take off in the coming months.'

'Although his playing time fluctuated in Buffalo, he still has a lot of love for the area and the Bills organization. He was cut in San Francisco, with the New York Giants and in Miami before the Bills gave him his first real opportunity.'

'The Bills used the lowest restricted free-agent tender on Hogan, giving them the right to match any contract offer he received from another team, but up against the salary cap they were financially strapped to match the three-year, $12 million offer sheet he signed with the Patriots in March – one that carried a cap hit of $5.5 million in its first year.'

'“I will be forever grateful for (the Bills),” Hogan said. “That organization, they gave me my first chance. That’s really where I started my career. And I was there for four years. I established a lot of relationships with those guys and to this day still do. I will always look back on my career, and that’s where I started.”'

'“Those guys [the Bills] are all my friends still, but we’re playing a game now,” said Hogan. “Once that whistle blows, 60 minutes, I’m going to be playing football. Afterwards we can talk and do all that. My focus is on doing my job and taking advantage of all my opportunities on Sunday.”'

'Bills general manager Doug Whaley and Demons’ defensive coordinator and associate head coach Daryl Daye worked together in Buffalo on the Bills staff for two seasons.'

'A person with direct knowledge of the situation told The Associated Press that Watkins won't require surgery and will instead use the time off to rest the injury. The person spoke on the condition of anonymity because the Bills have not revealed any details of the injury or Watkins' rehab process.'

'Watkins complained of soreness in the foot after hauling in four catches for 43 yards in a season-opening 13-7 loss to the Baltimore Ravens. He underwent an MRI exam but played against the New York Jets four days later, and posted two receptions for 20 yards.'

'Watkins is eligible to return to practice Nov. 11. The earliest he can play is Nov. 27 against the Jacksonville Jaguars. If he does return to practice, the Bills have 21 days to activate him or keep him on IR.'

'Hunter, 25, is entering his fourth season in the National Football League after being drafted in the second round (34th overall) out of Tennessee in the 2013 NFL Draft by the Tennessee Titans. In three seasons with the Titans, Hunter caught 68 passes for 1,116 yards and eight touchdowns.'

'“If Sammy could play, then obviously we want him out there,” Ryan said. “But if this is something that’s hurting this young man in any way, shape, or form, then absolutely I don’t want him out there. And that’s everybody in this organization. We want what’s best for this young man. Obviously, we all want him playing because of the kind of talent he is, but if it’s best he’s not out there then he won’t be out there.”'

'While those players weren’t seen early on Friday, safety Colt Anderson (foot), CB Ronald Darby (hamstring), QB Cardale Jones (right shoulder), TE Charles Clay (knee), S Aaron Williams (knee), S Jonathan Meeks, and OT Cordy Glenn (ankle) were all going through stretching and drills.'

'The Bills conducted their final practice of the week in Orchard Park before heading out to New England for their Week Four contest, and after the fact unveiled the official injury report for the week. Although listed as "questionable" last week, the Bills removed any lingering questions this week surrounding his injury, and announced that Watkins would not play.'

'Remember, reports early in the week surfaced that Watkins complained of soreness in his foot following the Ravens game, and had an MRI done to make sure that there was no further damage. The MRI apparently came back fine, but even so, the wide receiver still felt what he felt after the game.'