Buffalo Bills

Watch: Sammy Watkins looks fully healthy in Monday's practice

Published Aug. 4, 2015 9:56 a.m. ET

foxsports

Buffalo Bills wide receiver Sammy Watkins had a strong rookie campaign in 2014, but an inconsistent one, as well. He started the year strong, catching five touchdowns in the first half of the season, but faded down the stretch. The reason for his struggles late in the year could be attributed to a hip injury he suffered in November.

Earlier this offseason, Watkins had surgery to repair the hip injury. His status for training camp was originally unknown, but he put to rest any doubts about his health on Monday night. Watkins had been limited in the first days of training camp, but he appeared to be a full-go in Monday's practice.

Watkins reportedly looked as good as he did early in his rookie season, which should give Bills fans plenty of hope for the upcoming year. He caught two long touchdown passes on Monday night, one from EJ Manuel and the other from Tyrod Taylor.

He showed the explosiveness and big-play ability that he displayed last season, and defensive backs should take notice.

"I’m feeling great. I’m feeling more explosive than last year," Watkins said via the Buffalo News. "The first two days, I was moving pretty quick, but it’d kind of scare me a little bit when I was running. That just comes with fatigue. The more reps I get, the better I got. I understand I’m going to be sore. The muscles around it are going to hurt."

If the Bills can get decent quarterback play this season, Watkins should have a big year -- as should the Bills offense. Watkins is easily the most talented wide receiver on the team, and you could make the case he's also the best in the AFC East. His demise will ultimately be a result of poor quarterback play, which is something the Bills can't afford to have yet again.

(h/t Buffalo News)