Earlier in the week, Tyrod Taylor was supposed to miss a significant amount of time. The quarterback was dealing with an MCL injury suffered in Week 5 and sources were reporting that there was no way he would be able to play against the Cincinnati Bengal. However, as Sunday gets closer, head coach Rex Ryan is making it clear that Taylor will likely be under center.
The Bills have capitalized off the rise of Taylor and would like to keep the momentum going. Injuries certainly hurt that effort and Taylor looked like he was finally seeing the results of those hits he was taking with the knee injury. As a result, Mike Rodak of ESPN reported that Taylor would be out with the knee injury and EJ Manuel would start. Ryan has a different opinion.
"I would not rule out Tyrod Taylor as starting this week," Ryan said, via SiriusXM NFL Radio.. "Although I know it's widely reported that that's the case. We will see, that's a possibility. I certainly wouldn't count Tyrod Taylor out. He did finish the game this past week. I can tell you this: He's got heart, he's got toughness and he's got a lot of ability. I definitely would not rule him out."
Ryan said he expects Taylor to start, but also has full confidence in Manuel who was in line to start prior to the season. Manuel has been riding the bench despite being the team's former first-round draft pick. This would be his first bit of playing time this season if he is able to get in. Ryan said that Taylor would continue to be evaluated and the Bills might not make a call until before game time.
One player expecting to be on the field is Sammy Watkins who has been dealing with injuries since the start of the year. Watkins has had hamstring and calf issues, but told the media that he expects to play in Week 6 against the Cincinnati Bengals. The receiver has been out since Sept. 27 and the Bills have certainly missed his playmaking abilities.
"I definitely should be out there this Sunday, whether I'm hurt [or not]. It's a big game, they're 5-0," Watkins said, via the Buffalo News. "I'm pretty sure they'll probably switch the coverage to my side and leave other guys one-on-one. I know I'm not going to be in the best shape, but I know how to push through the routes and in the run game."
LeSean McCoy also returned to practice. He was doing everything during the media session. The Bills have not made a call about McCoy as he heals a hamstring injury, but they certainly need him with Karlos Williams still out with a concussion. The run game is a little muddy for the Bills right now, so getting Watkins back would be a big help to the offense.