NFL News & Analysis

Sammy Watkins avoids the PUP list as camp opens

ORCHARD PARK, NY - DECEMBER 24: Sammy Watkins #14 of the Buffalo Bills celebrates his touchdown reception against the Miami Dolphins during the first half at New Era Stadium on December 24, 2016 in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Brett Carlsen/Getty Images)

  • According to NFL Insider Ian Rappoport, Buffalo Bills wide receiver Sammy Watkins was not placed on the physically unable to perform list, and will practice with The Bills on Thursday. It’s good news for the fourth-year receiver, who missed significant time in the 2016 season with a foot injury.
  • Watkins managed to notch just 381 snaps in the 2016 season, a significant decrease from his rookie season in 2014 (1051 snaps) and 2015 season (728 snaps). In his limited playing time, Watkins produced an overall PFF grade of 74.9, which ranked 46th of 115 qualifying wide receivers. He also averaged 1.94 yards per route run, which ranked 22nd of 96 receivers with at least 40 targets.
  • Watkins flashed moments of excellence in 2015, so the Bills will hope he can return to injury-free form. In 2015, Watkins was the 12th highest graded receiver in the NFL, with an overall PFF grade of 86.5. His average of 2.69 yards per route run ranked fifth among 85 wide receivers with at least 40 targets and his wide receiver rating of 128.8 ranked third.

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