Sammy Watkins was back at practice Wednesday

The Buffalo Bills will be getting much needed help for their playoff push.

After heading to the IR back in September, Bills WR Sammy Watkins is almost ready to hit the field once again. Returning from a left foot injury, Watkins went through a limited practice Wednesday with encouraging signs. He did some work on the exercise bike and went through some individual WR drills. There is a shot for #14 to suit up Sunday against Jacksonville.

Watkins had this to say regarding his progress: ”First day of practice, getting all the butterflies out, moving fast and just really trying to get back on the same page. I think 90 percent of the game is mental and I think I’m over that hump and really have just got to get back out there running routes, playing with the guys, catching balls” (Yahoo Sports).

The Bills have 21 days to activate Watkins onto the 53 man roster. Buffalo is statistically the worst passing team in the league currently. They will now be anxiously awaiting their top receiver’s return as they try to compete for an AFC playoff spot.

Even though Watkins’ third NFL season has been cut down due to injury, the past has proved he is an effective player. The Clemson alum eclipsed 1000 yards last season and just nearly missed the mark in his rookie year. Watkins’ biggest issue has been his durability and nothing else. This is one of the more talented wide receivers in the entire NFL.

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Head coach Rex Ryan has made it clear the team will not rush Watkins back. However, for a team that is 5-5, it will be hard not to do such a thing. The remaining part of Buffalo’s schedule features some vulnerable secondaries like Cleveland, Pittsburgh, and the divisional Jets. Having Sammy Watkins down the stretch would be a valuable asset.