Sammy Watkins is close to being unleashed in Buffalo.
Watkins opened training camp on the physically unable to perform list -- and he remains on that list for now -- but the third-year pass-catcher has been running for weeks and promised earlier this month to be "back on top soon."
Despite the positive development, Watkins isn't quite ready for the practice field. NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport reported that the team is exercising caution before taking him off the PUP list, according to a source informed of his status.
Watkins broke a small bone in his foot this offseason, prompting the receiver to go under the knife in late April. The Bills are optimistic about his health, though, with one team source telling ESPN's Josina Anderson: "We are going to break Sammy in slowly (and) turn him loose in a week."
Along those line, coach Rex Ryan on Sunday gushed about the overall health of his roster, telling Pelissero: "If we were playing the Super Bowl tomorrow, they'd probably all be out there."
For Buffalo to stand a chance in the AFC East, Watkins must play a major role on offense. After hauling in 60 catches for 1,047 yards and nine touchdowns last season, there's no reason to believe he can't top those numbers in 2016, as long as he stays healthy.
