While the Buffalo Bills have been trying to figure out who their starting quarterback is, injuries to the offense have been setting everyone back. The team has yet to have all of their wide receivers and running backs on the field at the same time as minor injuries continue to keep players away from practice. Percy Harvin and LeSean McCoy work to make their returns while Sammy Watkins is being placed in a plastic bubble and kept safe.
McCoy made a few jokes at the expense of Watkins during practice as injuries keep being an issue. The running back laughed off the receiver's glute injury as an "Allen Iverson injury." According to ESPN's Mike Rodak, McCoy made note that the Bills are afraid of Watkins getting injured and are keeping the "Ferrari in the garage" during practice. Watkins missed last Thursday's preseason game and has not been participating in team drills. As the leading receiver, his presence is missed especially with a quarterback battle taking place.
The Bills did get Harvin back on the field which was a welcomed sight for the offense. The receiver had been sitting out with hip issues that have plagued him for years. According to ESPN, Harvin's injury is worse than first thought which could be a storyline throughout the season. The Bills are counting on Harvin to step up this year and be a big threat as their quarterbacks need all the help they can get.
Robert Woods appears to be the most consistent threat the Bills have to work with. While the receiver is a bit undersized and not as clear of a route runner, Woods has been a major steal for Buffalo especially with Watkins and Harvin on and off the field. While Watkins might be the clear No.1 player, Woods is a definite threat and could be even better if he can develop some chemistry with a starting quarterback.
"I don't have the speed or the size like that," Woods said, via the Buffalo News. "But I have enough of everything to push it and get separation. I just feel like the cornerback never really knows what I'm doing. I think that's the biggest key of it. Just always selling vertical - and I can stop faster than they can."
The quarterback chemistry will be the key to success for the Bills and that is something they are running out of time to create. While team sources report that Tyrod Taylor is leading the charge, Matt Cassel and EJ Manuel should not be ruled out. Head coach Rex Ryan made it clear he has yet to make a decision on who is getting the nod for the next preseason game much less the long-term starting job.
