Bills wide receiver Sammy Watkins is expected to require a second surgery on his injured foot, and having that operation would end his season, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN.com (Twitter link). As Ian Rapoport of NFL.com reported Thursday, Watkins will travel to North Carolina this week and meet with specialist Dr. Robert Anderson before making a final decision.
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Buffalo officially placed Watkins on injured reserve earlier this week, and although the league’s new IR rules would allow him to return after eight weeks, that avenue is looking increasingly unlikely. If, by chance, Watkins opts against surgery, he’ll need rest and recovery to have any shot to come back later in the season. At that point, the Bills’ record would likely play a large role in deciding whether to activate Watkins.
Watkins, 23, has been dealing with his foot issue since May, when he had a screw inserted following what was termed a “minor” fracture. The ailment has kept him extremely limited this season, and he’s recorded only six catches for 63 yards in two games. To attempt to make up for Watkins’ absence, Buffalo claimed fellow pass-catcher Justin Hunter off waivers from the Dolphins.
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