Buffalo Bills: Zay Jones, Reggie Ragland return, Sammy Watkins limited

Three injured Buffalo Bills’ players made a return to practice on Thursday. Reggie Ragland and Zay Jones were full participants, while Sammy Watkins was limited.

Last offseason, especially during training camp, the Buffalo Bills suffered a domino effect with injuries. Once players started hitting the field this offseason, fans were hoping it wouldn’t be a repeat of last year.

On Thursday, fans got some good news regarding several Bills’ players returning from injury.

Let’s start with Reggie Ragland, who missed his entire 2016 rookie campaign when he tore his ACL during training camp last year. It was an unfortunate injury, although Zach Brown filled the role perfectly. With Zach Brown in Washington this season, the Buffalo Bills will need Reggie Ragland healthy and ready to dominate come September.

Ragland was a full participant during Thursday’s practice, something that should make fans happy. With a new defense to learn, Ragland will need all the practice he can get to ensure he is ready to give his rookie season another go.

Also returning to practice in full fashion was rookie wide receiver Zay Jones. After missing three weeks to a sprained knee, Jones will look to get valuable practice in before mandatory minicamp begins next week. Also entering his first season in the league — and also being a second round draft pick like Ragland — Jones will need all the practice he can get before the season starts.

He will look to be a huge part of the Bills’ offense this season and will hopefully be a staple for years to come.

If that wasn’t enough good news for the morning, Sammy Watkins also returned to practice on Thursday. Watkins, of course, has dealt with a plethora of injuries since being drafted in 2014. If he wants to remain with the Buffalo Bills, he will need to prove he can stay healthy this season.

https://twitter.com/buffalobills/status/872836528497725442

Although he returned in limited fashion, just hearing that he is doing individual drills is exciting. I firmly believe that Watkins will surprise fans this year, despite the doubt they still have. I would also like to note that McDermott and the coaching staff aren’t going to rush him back, which has been a problem the past few years.

Stay tuned. If Watkins remains at practice and continues to show improvement with his health, then rest easy knowing his progress isn’t being rushed. Either way, be patient. We still have three months before football.

Lastly, Sean McDermott gave two more updates on Buffalo Bills‘ players, although the news isn’t as warming.

Starting left tackle Cordy Glenn, who is recovering from an ankle injury, is now listed as week-to-week. He missed several games last season, with Cyrus Kouandjio filling in admirably. Of course, Cyrus Kouandjio was released a little while ago to make room for wide receiver Rod Streater.

Dion Dawkins was seen in his spot on Thursday.

Another offensive lineman will be recovering from injury and is listed as day-to-day. Seantrel Henderson is dealing with a cyst “in a sensitive area on the backside,” according to Sean McDermott. Henderson hasn’t played football in over a year due to Crohn’s disease, which has caused a series of suspensions due to marijuana use.

The marijuana was being used to treat his disease, causing some criticism over the league’s regulations.

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To those returning from injury, we wish you all the best in staying healthy. To those still dealing with injuries, we wish you a speedy recovery. To everyone, we just can’t wait for football!

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Do you think any of these players will have trouble being ready for Week 1? Leave your thoughts below!