Buffalo Bills fans and fantasy owners rejoice! Wide receiver Sammy Watkins has been taken off the team’s IR, and Ian Rapoport of NFL Media reports he will play on Sunday when the Bills take on the Jacksonville Jaguars at home.
His comeback is complete: #Bills officially activate WR Sammy Watkins (foot) off IR, designate him to return. Slated to play tomorrow.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) November 26, 2016
When healthy, Watkins is a dynamic deep threat who has meshed well with quarterback Tyrod Taylor. The two of them combined for 60 receptions, 1,047 yards and nine touchdowns last year. But they have not had much of a chance to do so this year as Watkins has been dealing with a lingering foot issue.
The receiver broke a bone in his foot during the offseason and had surgery to repair the damage. However, as we’ve seen with other top receivers, Watkins tried to come back from the injury too soon and re-aggravated it after playing in just two games this year.
Buffalo won’t rush Watkins back into a prominent role this Sunday and had some concerns about his foot earlier this year. He’ll be returning in a limited fashion, so don’t expect a huge fantasy performance from him this weekend.
That said, if he can work his way back into football shape and the injury does not rear its ugly head once again, then Watkins could be a key player for Buffalo down the stretch as the Bills attempt to make it into the playoffs for the first time since 1999.