Archives for October 2016

'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.'

'The team's decision to shut Watkins down was anything but surprising. Head coach Rex Ryan said on Friday that he had "major concerns" that Watkins foot problem could be a long term issue.'

'“He’s out. That’s just the way it is,” said head coach Rex Ryan. “We know he’s not playing. If we thought he could go obviously we’d play him regardless of whether he practiced or not. He doesn’t feel good enough to play.”'

'Knowing the bulk of Blount’s carries take place between the tackles Brown will need to be the man that meets the 250-pound back in the hole. Brown has been stout against the run this season, and Arizona’s David Johnson may serve as good prep when it comes to facing a big back like the league’s leading rusher.'

'“It’s his ability to adapt and go from one place to another,” said Bills offensive assistant Pat Meyer of Ola. “Learn this language or this technique now, it’s a difficult thing. Coach Kromer and I have had a lot of experience with him so he knew our coaching style and our coaching techniques. He knows a lot about how we teach it so it should be a little easier for him coming in here than somewhere else.”'