Good news Buffalo Bills fans, this could be Sammy Watkins year (I say while continually knocking on wood).
No matter how many times Bills fans have prayed for Watkins’ health, the man just can’t seem to stay 100 percent.
Watkins is coming off his second foot surgery that took place last January. His foot issues have caused him to only appear in 21 games over the last two seasons. The good news? Both Julio Jones and Dez Bryant underwent two surgeries for similar injuries.
So why should Bills fans finally think this is the year Watkins returns to the field as a healthy player? He’s already surprising people.
Watkins was scheduled to return from his surgery for training camp on July 30 but instead returned earlier than expected for OTAs last week as a limited participant. Bills beat reporters Sal Capaccio and Joe Buscaglia tweeted footage of Watkins movement from last week.
Much close look for you here. Sammy Watkins running route, cutting on foot. pic.twitter.com/j5D32M6ghG
— Sal Capaccio ? (@SalSports) June 8, 2017
Another one of Sammy Watkins #Bills pic.twitter.com/qtV5MZCO4U
— Joe Buscaglia (@JoeBuscaglia) June 8, 2017
Want more good news? Watkins took another step forward by participating in the Bills minicamp that began today.
That was the first time Watkins took a rep in 11/11 or even 7/7 this offseason. McDermott said plan is to get him ready for camp.
— Sal Capaccio ? (@SalSports) June 13, 2017
Watkins is entering his fourth season with the Bills and needs to stay on the field if he wants to get paid. The Bills did not pick up Watkins fifth-year option, making him a free agent next offseason.
More importantly, Watkins needs to prove that the Bills made the right choice when they moved up in the ’14 NFL Draft to nab him with the fourth pick. The Bills gave up their first and fourth rounders in the ’15 draft just so they could land Watkins.
Watkins did show flashes of dominance in his second season when he had 60 receptions for 1,047 yards and nine touchdowns in just 13 games.
It’s time for Watkins to prove that he can stay healthy for a full season. If he can’t do that, he will find himself as a free agent hoping to find a new home in 2018.
