The Facts: Dr. Robert Anderson recommended that Watkins did not need surgery on his injured foot. According to NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport, that means Watkins is in line for a late-season return in 2016.
Diehards Line:As NFL Network's Mike Garafolo adds, Anderson's diagnosis confirms what Buffalo had hoped and expected all along. Watkins' foot was sound structurally. Now, they just want him at 100 percent before rushing him onto the field again. Buffalo has not been struggling in Watkins' absence but would absolutely welcome back the dominant wide receiver upon his return. Watkins was placed on injured reserve back in late September, which means he could return by early December if his rehabilitation continues on schedule.