The Bills wanted to get Sammy Watkins some playing time after missing most of the previous two preseason games with bruised ribs. On the team's second possession however, Watkins took a hard hit from Lions' LB Ashlee Palmer when he was targeted by EJ Manuel on a quick slant play. The play was incomplete. Watkins got up slowly and felt for his ribs. With a break in the action following the play, Watkins slowly walked to the sidelines and ultimately left the game with a rib injury.
Watkins, who was injured on a similar play in Pittsburgh two weeks ago, was examined by team doctors on the sideline for about 10 minutes. Team physicians were checking Watkins' rib cage area. The receiver appeared to be wearing a flak jacket to protect his ribs. He was eventually escorted to the locker room for further examination.
He was subsequently declared out for the remainder of the game.
