Buffalo Bills wide receiver Sammy Watkins left Thursday's preseason game against the Detroit Lions with an apparent rib injury. He will not return.
Sammy Watkins leaves game with rib injury, could be fantasy concern
Watkins got drilled in Thursday’s preseason finale and appears to have re-injured his ribs. We break down the fantasy implications.
Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Watkins suffered the injury on a hard hit from Detroit linebacker Ashlee Palmer, after EJ Manuel led him too far on a quick slant pass. He went over to the bench clutching his left side and was seen talking with doctors on the sideline. He later went to the locker room and was ruled out of the game.
Looks like ribs again for Sammy Watkins. Was grimacing after the hit and immediately grabbed at his midsection. On the bench w/trainers now.
— Matthew Fairburn (@MatthewFairburn) August 28, 2014 Fantasy impact: Watkins was already dealing with rib issues and missed the previous preseason game, so it’s an obvious concern if he injured the same area. The rookie first-rounder now has 10 days to get healthy in time for the regular season. Watkins drew unanimous praise in training camp, but it didn’t quite translate to the field, getting just three catches for 21 yards in three preseason games.
If nothing else, the nature of his injury is pretty telling, with Manuel leaving him high and dry over the middle. It’s another reminder that Watkins’ fantasy ceiling is limited with Manuel, who is shaping up as one of the worst starting quarterbacks in the league.
