Buffalo's offense is expected to have a different look to it on Sunday when they host the Arizona Cardinals as the number of plays in the game plan are expected to be reduced. There could be another subtraction from the offense depending on how pre-game warm-ups go for Sammy Watkins.
Watkins is listed as questionable for Sunday's game after failing to practice all week. Head coach Rex Ryan said Watkins would be a game time decision, but didn't paint a promising picture for the receiver's availability Sunday.
"Probably not real good, but we'll see," said Ryan of Watkins. "If he feels good and he's up to it then we'll put him in there."
Ryan said it doesn't matter that Watkins did not practice at all this week. He's too big a talent to keep off the field if he feels he can go.
Watkins first experienced an issue with his foot, which underwent surgery for a Jones fracture in the spring, following the team's Week 1 game at Baltimore. When he was able to come back and play on a short week last Thursday night against the Jets it was seen as an encouraging sign.
A reduced practice schedule was widely expected knowing Watkins was been dealing with discomfort in the foot. One day a week was the expected practice routine moving forward. Coming off what would amount to more than a week rest, it was thought that Watkins would be able to participate in practice this week, but that was not the case.
One reason why is his ailing foot was accidentally stepped on during the team's walk through practice session on Monday.
"I think he got stepped on in a walk through and that probably didn't help him," said Ryan. "We'll see. I know it's a pain deal. He feels better today than he did yesterday so hopefully he keeps feeling better."
If Watkins can't play Sunday, Buffalo's chief playmaking weapons at receiver become Robert Woods, Greg Salas and Marquise Goodwin. Walt Powell and Brandon Tate would presumably be active for the game as well.
Tight end Charles Clay would also expect to see an increase in targets if Watkins is out of Buffalo's lineup.
