JOHN WAWROW
AP Sports Writer
PITTSFORD, N.Y. (AP) — Bills receiver Sammy Watkins is day to day after tests confirmed a diagnosis of bruised ribs. And Cordy Glenn returned to his familiar spot at left tackle during Monday’s team drills after missing the first three weeks of training camp with an undisclosed illness.
It was a pair of positive developments for the Bills, who experienced a scare after Watkins was hurt in a 19-16 preseason loss at Pittsburgh on Saturday.
A person close to the situation told The Associated Press about Watkins’ status and test results on condition of anonymity because the Bills did not provide an update on the first-round pick.
Coach Doug Marrone would only say Watkins would not practice on Monday, when the team returned to its training-camp facility in suburban Rochester.
“He’s not practicing today, and I’ll be ready to practice without him,” Marrone said. “He’s not out there, and when he comes back, I don’t know.”
Watkins’ agent Tory Dandy told the AP his client “will be fine” and described the injury as being “just a bruise.” Dandy added Watkins could have returned to the game after being hurt on the opening drive.
The receiver left the field holding his left side where he was kneed by leaping linebacker Ryan Shazier during a pass play.
Watkins spent part of practice riding a stationary bike on the sideline. Following the workout, Watkins was ushered off the field by a Bills employee and declined to speak to reporters.
It’s too early to determine whether Watkins will be cleared to play on Saturday, when Buffalo (1-2) hosts Tampa Bay (0-2).
The Clemson product was a key offseason addition for the Bills. They traded their 2015 first-round draft pick to Cleveland in order to move up five spots and select Watkins with No. 4 pick.
He’s already shown glimpses of his dynamic potential by making numerous highlight-reel catches during camp.
Glenn returned to practice a little over a week after he passed his physical and was activated off the active/non-football injury list.
“It’s a good sign,” center Eric Wood said. “Cordy’s one of our best players. And getting him back on the field, it’s obviously going to help this football team.”
Glenn’s presence prompted a shuffle across the line.
Rookie Seantrel Henderson, who filled in for Glenn at left tackle, took over at the right tackle in place of Erik Pears. Pears then shifted to right guard in place of Kraig Urbik, who took snaps as the backup center. And Chris Williams regained his spot at left guard after Doug Legursky started in his place at Pittsburgh.
The shift comes with the Bills’ first-string offense yet to score a touchdown in 10 preseason series. Buffalo’s starters have been limited to four field goals despite five drives inside their opponents’ 20.
NOTES: The Bills break camp Thursday. … Mary Wilson, the Bills’ controlling owner and wife of late Hall of Fame owner Ralph Wilson, attended practice. The Bills are for sale after Ralph Wilson died in March. … DB Jonathan Meeks remains out with a neck injury.
___
AP NFL websites: www.pro32.ap.org and www.twitter.com/AP_NFL
Copyright 2014 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
