Three key Buffalo Bills — Sammy Watkins, Cordy Glenn, and Eric Wood — are currently nursing injuries, so here’s an update on when the three veterans should be back on the field and/or 100% healthy.
Eric Wood
Suffered broken leg on November 7, 2016
Chris Brown of BuffaloBills.com recently wrote about Wood’s rehab and timetable.
“The rehab process proved to be a steady one for Eric Wood. Entering the spring practices there was a plan in place in the event that Wood’s leg developed soreness after pounding on it working on the field. Fortunately for Wood, and Buffalo’s offensive line that didn’t prove to be a problem at all.
“It went great. I missed one day the first week of OTAs and we had planned that if I had any setbacks or got too sore I would take a day off, but I didn’t need a day off the rest of the time,” said Wood. “So I’m encouraged. I definitely should be 100 percent barring anything crazy happening over the next month. So I’m looking forward to it.”
Outlook
Wood suffered a compound fracture in his leg during his rookie season in 2009, an injury that occurred on November 22. He made 14 starts the following year, and the two missed contests were due to an ankle injury.
The former first-round pick may be slightly slower to heal at his age, but there should be a fair amount of optimism regarding his chances to start the regular season 100% healthy.
Cordy Glenn
Suffered ankle injury on September 11, 2016 (lingered all season)
Although Glenn was spotted in a walking boot for minicamp, “coach Sean McDermott says he expects Glenn to be ready for the start of training camp” via ESPN’s Mike Rodak.
Outlook
Dion Dawkins took left tackle reps for Glenn during offseason work, but the rookie was drafted to battle Jordan Mills for the starting right tackle gig this season. Glenn doesn’t need to begin training camp on the field.
All the veteran needs before the start of the regular season is maybe a week or so of camp and minimal preseason work to get re-acclimated to play speed and work on his conditioning.
Sammy Watkins
Had second foot surgery on January 20
On June 13, Watkins took reps in team drills for the first time since his second foot surgery. A day later, John Kryk of The Toronto Sun reported “Watkins took most first-team reps in 11-on-11.”
Outlook
Watkins appears to be on track to be at full health by the start of the regular season, if not earlier. Here’s what I wrote in the article on the news he took reps in team drills two weeks ago:
“Like Edelman and Bryant, Watkins ultimately needed another surgery on his foot, a procedure he had on January 20.
That means Watkins has had nearly a six-month layoff until his return to the practice field today. The second foot surgery for Edelman and Bryant has yielded fine results. Neither has had any aggravation of the Jones’ fracture since.
The Bills don’t need to rush Watkins’ rehab, but his return to the field half a year after his second foot surgery is undoubtedly a positive development.”
At training camp, Buffalo’s coaches would be wise to let Watkins sit out until he isn’t lacking any confidence in his foot. Like Wood and Glenn, going through the rigors of every summer practice is not a necessity for Watkins.