Bills take careful approach with Watkins, Glenn

Jul 28, 2017 - 3:54 AM ROCHESTER, N.Y. -- Two key offensive players opened camp on a "rep count" as the Buffalo Bills took to the field Thursday night on the campus of St. John Fisher College.

Wide receiver Sammy Watkins and offensive left tackle Cordy Glenn missed significant time in the offseason. Watkins was rehabbing following his second foot surgery, and Glenn was out with a troublesome ankle injury. But both were on the field when the workout began in front of an energetic opening-night crowd.

Coach Sean McDermott said the team would monitor and manage the workload for both players.

"But we have to be flexible with that and see how they feel," he said. "That starts tonight."

Both players are vital to the Bills.

Watkins is far and away the top receiver. If he were to get hurt again and miss regular-season games, the offense surely would sputter given the lack of top-end talent at the position. Glenn anchors a good offensive line, but if he were out, the Bills probably would have to turn to rookie second-round pick Dion Dawkins.

The Bills have made it clear to Watkins that it is on him to deliver this season. The team did not pick up the fifth-year option on his contract because it wants to see how the season plays out.

"I wasn't here for that decision," general manager Brandon Beane said of the choice that was made before he was hired.

"With that said, again, Sammy's been great. He's doing everything he can. I'm excited with where he's at and looking forward to watching him. We'll let it play out. Contracts will get done when they're supposed to get done."

Watkins maintains he's not bothered by what might be perceived as a slight since about 75 percent of the 2014 first-round contracts were picked up for the fifth year.

"I haven't even put any thought in it," he said. "At the end of the day, it's a business. My job is to catch as many balls and touchdowns to help this team win. Everything else will play out. I have to earn it. No chip (on my shoulder), I just have to stay healthy and go out and make the plays I need to make."

Watkins was asked if he feels a burden to perform up to his draft status, especially given how the first three years have gone.

"I have nothing to prove," he said. "I know what I'm capable of doing. I've made plays in this league, and my job is to go out and earn it this year. I want to earn it; I don't want anything handed to me. My job is to earn it like I did all my life."