Bills’ Watkins intent to stay healthy

PITTSFORD, N.Y. » Sammy Watkins’ surgically repaired left foot finally feels fine. And the Buffalo Bills receiver has no concerns about his future.

So long, of course, the oft-injured starter can stay healthy, Watkins said after the Bills opened training camp on Thursday evening.

“I have nothing to prove. I know what I’m capable of doing,” Watkins said. “My job is to go out there and earn it this year. And if I’m healthy on the field and I’m out there playing with the guys, I’ll be all right.”

The comments were Watkins’ first to reporters since cleaning out his locker after last season.

Much has happened since.

Watkins had surgery on his foot in January to repair an injury he aggravated in September and led to him missing eight games. It was the second operation for Watkins, who missed a majority of last offseason after having two screws inserted into his foot to repair a stress fracture.

The injuries have left his future in Buffalo uncertain beyond this season. He’s now entering the final year of his contract after the Bills elected against picking up a fifth-year option in May.

Watkins said he understood the reasoning behind the team’s decision and didn’t take it personally.

“I don’t really look at the contract or the money. That’s not what drives me,” he said.

Remaining in Buffalo is also part of Watkins’ plan.

“You don’t want to change teams,” he said. “My job is to stay around here forever.”