Bills WR Sammy Watkins says he'll play Thursday vs. Jets

Buffalo Bills wide receiver Sammy Watkins said Monday he will play Thursday against the Jets, despite a New York Daily News report he could miss significant playing time as issues with his surgically repaired left foot persist.

More national anthem protests as NFL season begins

Arian Foster and some Dolphins teammates took a knee and Marcus Peters of the Chiefs raised a black-gloved fist during the national anthem in Week 1.

Time Sports

Watkins had two screws inserted in his left foot in April to address a stress fracture.

The third-year receiver caught four passes for 43 yards in the Bills’ 13-7 loss to the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday. He was cleared to return to practice on Aug. 8 and played in the Bills’ final two preseason games.

Stress fractures like Watkins typically heal in six to 12 weeks, according to Houston-based orthopedic surgeon Michael S. George.

"Sometimes the healing can be tricky," said George, a sports injury specialist at the KSF Orthopaedic Center. 

George pointed to Golden State forward Kevin Durant, who missed seven weeks after he sustained a stress fracture in his foot early in the 2014-15 season as a member of the Oklahoma City Thunder. Durant eventually needed a second surgery that forced him to miss the playoffs. 

PHOTOS: Best of NFL Week 1