Bills rookie WR Sammy Watkins leaves game, re-injures ribs?
Sammy Watkins may have just re-injured his fractured ribs in the Buffalo Bills’ preseason game against the Detroit Lions.
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Watkins went to the sideline early in the first quarter after Bills quarterback E.J. Manuel threw him into traffic. Linebacker Ashlee Palmer made contact with Watkins and seems to cause Watkins’ injury on the play. He spoke with a team doctor for a little while, but eventually, he was accompanied off the field and into the locker room with a battalion of four doctors.
Sammy Watkins is heading to the locker room surrounded by an army (4) of doctors and trainers
— Joe Buscaglia (@JoeBuscaglia) August 28, 2014
Prior to this game, Watkins had not played since Aug. 16 against the Steeler, when he first fractured his ribs.
Watkins was the third-overall selection in the 2014 NFL Draft. The Bills traded up to select the former Clemson standout. He is incredibly valuable to the organization’s future, which begs the question: Why did they force the star into a game that is meaningless?
The Bills passing offense is comprised of young players like Manuel, Watkins and second-year receiver Robert Woods, who started across from Watkins. Perhaps the intent was to give those players another opportunity to find a rhythm for the regular season. The result could be Watkins missing time in the regular season. Regardless of whether he misses regular season time, the Bills’ should be disappointed with their decision.