Sammy Watkins doesn't need 2nd foot surgery, could return later

Sammy Watkins is relieved to hear that he won't need an additional foot surgery, and now he can possibly return late this season.

The Buffalo Bills have hit on all cylinders over the last three weeks, and now they've received good news regarding one of their best players.

Sammy Watkins, the Bills' star receiver who broke a small bone in his foot in the offseason, attempted to play before going on injured reserve on September 30th. There were fears that Watkins would need a second operation on the foot after going under the knife in the Spring.

That won't be the case, luckily. From the NFL Network's Ian Rapoport:

After seeing Dr. Anderson, the recommendation for Bills WR Sammy Watkins was no surgery, just rest & rehab. Late-season return is possible.

The earliest Watkins can come off the IR is Week 12, when the Bills face the Jacksonville Jaguars. However, a clear target date for his return has not been set.

After starting 0-2, Buffalo has rallied to win their last three games, including a stunning shutout victory over the Tom Brady-less New England Patriots.

If they're able to get anything out of Watkins late in the season, it could prove huge if they're still in the playoff race. Buffalo's deep-passing game sorely misses Watkins' presence on the field; he gained 1,047 yards through the air and caught nine touchdowns in 13 games last season.