Sunday, November 9, 2014

RPT: Bills' Jackson, Watkins 'optimistic' they will play

BY NICK ST. DENIS

After three days of uncertainty surrounding the status of Buffalo Bills receiver Sammy Watkins and running back Fred Jackson, the players are reportedly feeling good about where they're at.

The NFL Network's Albert Breer reported early that both players "are optimistic they will be able to go against the Chiefs."

Bills coach Doug Marrone seemed pessimistic Thursday about Watkins' availability after the rookie suffered a groin ailment in practice Wednesday.

However, his tone brightened a little Friday. Meanwhile, Jackson practiced three straight days to finish the week, coming off a groin injury of his own that has sidelined him for weeks.

A not-100-percent Jackson would join Bryce Brown and Anthony Dixon in a mixed-timeshare backfield against the Chiefs' suspect run defense.

Watkins, meanwhile, at the very least, can serve as a threat to keep Kansas City's secondary honest, even if he isn't able to give it a full-go.

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