Buffalo Bills: What is the Truth Behind Sammy Watkins’ Foot Injury?
By Paul Taylor
Buffalo Bills’ offensive coordinator Anthony Lynn and Sammy Watkins have differing opinions on the severity of the star receiver’s injury, but who’s telling the truth?
Let’s be honest – it’s not as if the Buffalo Bills have been struggling for interesting storylines this season. Regardless, you can make the arguement that Sammy Watkins‘ foot has received more attention that anything else in Western New York during the 2016 campaign, from media and fans alike.
In that respect, the story that just won’t die, has been given more life this week, courtesy of Anthony Lynn. The Bills’ offensive coordinator had some interesting things to say on Thursday.
Speaking to WGR550‘s Brayton J. Wilson and the rest of the media inside the ADPRO Sports Training Center, Lynn said: “The guy has a broken bone in his foot.”
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While the assembled media wrapped their heads around what the 47-year had just announced, he continued to discuss Watkins’ role against the Oakland Raiders: “I don’t know if he’s gonna play one play or 20 plays – we’ll see how big his role is. I’d like to keep him in there the whole time, but I can’t say.”
Unsurprisingly, Lynn was then asked how long he’d known about the break in Watkin’s foot: “(I found out) when he decided to come back and when we took him off of injured reserve.
“From my understanding, it’s a pain tolerance deal and however long he can stay out there. I think he’s tough as hell playing through it.”
Lynn’s comments are certainly intriguing, especially when factoring in what the 2014 fourth overall draft pick said the previous week. As per Nick Veronica of The Buffalo News, Watkins had said: “(I’m) not injured anymore, I want to just say I’m over that and I’m just trying to move forward and play.”
This was reiterated by the Fort Myers, Florida native, following last Sunday’s game against the Jacksonville Jaguars: “The foot is no issue.” Except, it apparently still is.
Understandably, Lynn was asked if Watkins would be able to finish the 2016 season, before getting further work done on his foot: “I’m not certain,” he said, stressing “not.”
“Last I heard, the guy has a broken bone in his foot. I’m just thankful to have him for any time he can give us.”
Of course, the main question is, should Watkins be playing, if his foot is still not fully recovered? Those saying yes, will no doubt point to his three catches for 80 yards last week, as evidence that he is healthy enough to contribute to the Bill’s offense.
There has also been mention about how the Atlanta Falcons’ Julio Jones suffered a similar injury in 2013, and recovered just fine. However, the significant difference is that Jones actually sat out the final 11 games of the 2013 campaign, in order to fully heal for the following season.
Watkins was kept out of practice on Wednesday, due to his foot still hurting from the Jaguars game. He had limited participation the rest of the week and is officially listed as questionable, although Bills’ head coach Rex Ryan says he will play against the Raiders.
Ultimately, you have to believe the Bills’ training staff know what they’re doing. Surely they wouldn’t put the 2014 Orange Bowl MVP at risk — no matter how much he wants to play — just to boost the playoff push…would they?
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What’s your take on the situation? Would you continue playing Watkins or shut him down, and why? Share your thoughts in the comments section.