The Sports Xchange

ORCHARD PARK, N. Y. – The Buffalo Bills are concerned about the health of wide receiver Sammy Watkins, their first round draft pick from 2014 who continues to battle injury problems.

After a variety of injuries as a rookie, and undergoing offseason hip surgery, Watkins was finally 100 percent for the first two games of the year, but he left Sunday’s win over the Miami Dolphins in the first quarter with a calf injury and did not return.

“Sammy Watkins going out with a calf, that’s a big concern because obviously that’s a mismatch if he’s healthy and we can take advantage of it,” said coach Rex Ryan. “It’s the calf and obviously he couldn’t press off it at the end to where he could go out and play.”

Ryan didn’t have a definitive update Monday but did say it’s possible he won’t play against the Giants.

Unlike last year, the Bills are better-equipped to deal with a Watkins injury because while Chris Hogan played well in 2014, Percy Harvin is a more dynamic player this season.

Robert Woods continues to be the possession receiver, but Harvin slips right into Watkins’ role as a deep threat while also remaining a dangerous yards after catch runner on the short routes. Harvin had six catches, four of them converting third downs in Miami.

Another situation the Bills are monitoring is the nagging hamstring injury of running back LeSean McCoy. He was limited to 34 snaps and gained only 16 yards on 11 carries.

“I’m banged up,” McCoy said. “I can’t get that acceleration – that burst. I just have to take care of it.”

It seemed as if McCoy was making progress last week when he gained 89 yards against the New England Patriots, but early in the Miami game it was clear he wasn’t right.

Ryan is fortunate to have Karlos Williams step in and gain 110 yards against Miami, but he knows not having McCoy would be a detriment to the offense. “I feel frustrated for him because I know the kind of mark he wants to put on this team,” Ryan said. “But physically, right now, he’s not quite back to where we need him to be. But I love the kid, love his attitude, he’s impressive.”

–Against Miami, tight end Charles Clay had by far his best game since joining the Bills as a free agent. The former Dolphin appeared to be more like the player that the Bills thought they were getting.

He had five catches for 82 yards and a highlight reel TD against his former team.

“It’s always good when you get a chance to play against your former team and to get a chance to see those guys, so many familiar faces,” said Clay. “To get a chance to go against them and then to come out on top is a great feeling.”

Clay can be an integral part of the Buffalo offense because there are several weapons that must be accounted for, and Clay can often get himself into a favorable coverage situation. The Bills had a tough time getting him involved in the first two games, but had little trouble against the Dolphins.

“That’s part of that mismatch when you have a guy that can do it all,” said Ryan. “He’s outstanding as a blocker, outstanding receiver with matchup issues if you’re trying to play man against him. Greg (Roman) did a great job and Tyrod did a great job in finding him.”