Bills’ Sammy Watkins, Fred Jackson both hurting

The Buffalo Bills could be without two key playmakers when they face the Chiefs on Sunday.

Rookie wide receiver Sammy Watkins, the club’s first-round draft pick from Clemson and the club’s leading receiver, was unable to finish practice on Wednesday because of a groin injury. Running back Fred Jackson, who missed the Bills’ last game on Oct. 26 against the Jets because of a groin injury, was a limited participant in practice.

Watkins has caught 38 passes for 590 yards (15.5 yards per reception) and five touchdowns, with a long of 84. Coach Doug Marrone was uncertain about the status of Watkins or Jackson for this week.

“He didn’t finish practice, so I don’t know where he’s going to be (Thursday),” Marrone said of Watkins. “He could play or he could be out for two to three weeks. Who knows? He’s like Fred. I don’t know. I have no information, except that he didn’t finish practice.”

The Bills are already without leading rusher C.J. Spiller, who rushed for 112 yards last season against the Chiefs but is on injured reserve.

Jackson said he was pleased with how his practice went.

“I did typical stuff that we would do on Wednesday to get out there and move around and see what it feels like,” Jackson said. “It’s a process that I have to continue to see where I end up going. I was able to feel confident in moving around, so if things continue to progress it’s good news.”

The Bills also listed wide receivers Robert Woods (back), Marcus Easley (knee), and Marquise Goodwin (hamstring) as limited participants Wednesday.

Chiefs injury report

Chiefs cornerback Jamell Fleming and linebackers Jerry Franklin and Josh Martin did not practice on Wednesday because of hamstring strains.

Outside linebacker Tamba Hali (knee), wide receiver Donnie Avery (sports hernia), cornerback Chris Owens (knee) and linebacker Joe Mays (wrist) practiced on a limited basis. Safety Eric Berry, who returned last week after missing five games because of an ankle injury, was a full participant, as was cornerback Phillip Gaines (ankle/quadriceps).

Brown’s in the bullpen

If Jackson is unable to play, former Kansas State running back Bryce Brown could see some substantial time against the Chiefs and coach Andy Reid, who drafted him in the seventh round of the 2012 draft for Philadelphia.

Brown, who was acquired by the Bills in a trade last spring, made his first appearance of the season two weeks ago against the Jets and gained 15 yards in seven attempts.

“He’s been great,” Marrone said of Brown. “C.J. has been here and Fred Jackson has been here, and we have Anthony Dixon. We love what we see in Bryce. He knew he had to be ready, and he was ready last week. He’s a starting caliber running back in this league.

“He can run the ball extremely well, he catches the ball coming out of the backfield … pass protection is good. Even though he has been around for a while, he’s a young guy who has a lot of good football in front of him.”

Roster move

The Chiefs re-signed defensive tackle Hebron Fangupo to the practice squad and released guard Jarrod Pughsley from the practice squad.

This story was originally published November 5, 2014 at 4:33 PM with the headline "Bills’ Sammy Watkins, Fred Jackson both hurting."