Whoever winds up starting under center this Sunday in London for the Buffalo Bills, they'll be facing the unenviable task of taking the field at Wembley to battle against a desperate Jacksonville Jaguars team with a seriously depleted wide receiver corps. While de facto No. 1 wideout Sammy Watkins' ankle injury was already likely to limit his capability and/or availability, it seems receiving/running back/returner Percy Harvin is also expected to be unable to go next weekend as well. Adam Schefter of ESPN reported early Monday that Harvin's hip injury, which kept him out of the lineup this past weekend, is likely to keep him out against Jacksonville as well.
At first, Harvin's injury looked to be minor, but a report from CBS Sports' Jason La Canfora Sunday suggested that the Bills were concerned the injury could turn into a "long-term absence" for the playmaking Harvin. With Watkins and running back LeSean McCoy limited early this season, Harvin took on a starring, if not overly productive, role, alongside promising veteran quarterback Tyrod Taylor, for Buffalo's offense. Through five games Harvin had recorded 19 receptions for 218 yards and one touchdown. He'd added another five rushing attempts for 31 yards.
While the overall output isn't exactly stellar, especially in comparison to some of the better units in the league, it was sorely needed for a Bills squad that was short on playmakers and looking to keep their early season roll going. Unfortunately, the team has fallen back to earth somewhat in recent weeks, though that's due in large part to the offensive injuries that just seem to keep piling up for Buffalo.
Watkins, a player who was actually able to return to the lineup for the Bills this past weekend, promptly followed a sorely-needed touchdown catch against the redhot Bengals with an ankle injury that, per Sky Sports' feed of the Bills' arrival in London, currently has him in a walking boot and on crutches.
And while most of that could simply be precautionary, it sure sounds like Watkins is likely to join Harvin on the sideline as the Bills get set for what is almost assured to be an ugly tussle against the Jaguars in London.
