The Buffalo Bills are counting on Sammy Watkins being a breakout star in 2015, but there are some concerns that he will have a slow start after dealing with a glute injury for much of the preseason. Watkins did not play in the preseason while there was a quarterback battle taking place and the wide receiver admits he has not gotten the reps in with Tyrod Taylor, but is good to go against the Indianapolis Colts.
Watkins is a fantasy starter if he is on the field regardless of how much he played in the preseason. The Bills have been dealing with injury concerns as both Watkins and Percy Harvin have been dealing with issues. Robert Woods also missed a few practices putting pressure on Taylor to work with other options. Woods told the media he is healthy and will play on Sunday while hoping he has had enough practice time with the new quarterback.
"I think I'm ready to play," Watkins said, per the team's official website. "For the most part it's just about getting mentally and physically prepared for this game and enduring some physical battles. So I think I'm in shape. I'm ready to go. I think for the most part I had to get in shape and I had to do it quick in like two weeks. The coaches and staff have done a good job of just getting me in shape and now it's just about really grinding and having fun playing through the whole game."
Woods would be considered the favored wide receiver since he has had the most time with Taylor, but the safe bet is Watkins along with Harvin who are expected to be the top two on the field come Sunday. LeSean McCoy has been another lingering question mark for the Bills after ESPN's Josina Anderson reported the running back has a torn hamstring. Head coach Rex Ryan confirmed that McCoy would be playing on Sunday and would not be limited.
It would be wise to pick up Karlos Williams on a roster who has been named the No.2 back. Williams is returning following a health issue midway through camp and could see plenty of playing time should McCoy not be ready to take a full load just yet. With Fred Jackson out of the picture, the fifth-round rookie is next in line to step onto the field.
"Right before Karlos got hurt, Karlos was at the No. 2 spot," said running back coach Anthony Lynn via the Buffalo News."It's been a good competition between him and Bryce [Brown], though. And in my opinion, it's still going on. You just create a competition and whoever goes out and performs the best, they'll get in the rotation."