Buffalo Bills WR Sammy Watkins progressing in return from surgery

Buffalo Bills wide receiver Sammy Watkins has been easing his way back to health after undergoing surgery on his left foot in January.

Bills coach Sean McDermott announced that Watkins would work in a limited capacity Thursday after returning to individual drills two days ago during organized team activities.

"This is one step in that process to get him back to where he needs to be," McDermott told reporters on Thursday.

Watkins has been dealing with the injury bug over the last two seasons, forcing the 23-year-old to miss 11 games in that span. The injury history likely played a role in the team's decision against exercising its option on his contract for the 2018 season.

Watkins had surgery to repair a stress fracture that limited him to playing just eight games last season. He finished with 28 receptions for 430 yards and two scores in 2016.

Watkins caught 65 passes for 982 yards and six touchdowns as a rookie. He set career highs of 1,047 yards and nine touchdowns in his second season when he had 60 receptions in 13 games.