The Sports Xchange

Buffalo Bills wide receiver Sammy Watkins plans to be ready for the opener against the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday.

A glute injury slowed Watkins during the preseason, but he practiced with the Bills on Tuesday and feels like he has made progress.

“I think I’m ready to play,” Watkins said. “For the most part, it’s just about getting mentally and physically prepared for this game and enduring some physical battles. So I think I’m in shape. I’m ready to go.”

The Bills have endured some injuries at the receiver position and hope Watkins can stay healthy this season. He also went offseason hip surgery but said he’s no longer thinking about the hip.

“The coaches and staff have done a good job of just getting me in shape and now it’s just about really grinding and having fun playing through the whole game,” he said.

The missed practice time has cost Watkins valuable reps with starting quarterback Tyrod Taylor, but the two worked together Tuesday and before preseason games.