It was a bad day for the Buffalo Bills as they announced injuries to wide receiver Sammy Watkins and rookie defensive end Shaq Lawson. Monday afternoon, the club disclosed that Lawson, the 19th overall pick in last month’s NFL Draft, will undergo shoulder surgery that will likely keep him off the gridiron for up to half of his rookie season. The procedure is being billed as preventative and will sideline Lawson for four to six months. In a statement shared on ESPN, the team states:
“The Buffalo Bills are taking measures to prevent the possibility of Shaq Lawson aggravating a pre-existing shoulder condition during the season. While he could continue to play, the Bills medical staff has determined that surgery is the best course of action for the overall health of his shoulder moving forward.”
The injury was initially suffered during Lawson’s freshman year at Clemson and only caused a red flag with the Jacksonville Jaguars during the scouting combine back in February. It was hoped that Lawson would be an immediate starter as an outside linebacker in coach Rex Ryan’s defensive scheme. One of the top pass rushing prospects in this year’s draft class, Lawson remains optimistic and sent out this tweet:
God got a plan for me 🙏🏿 be back better than ever #wishmewell🙏🏿
— Shaq Lawson (@Shaq_Lawson90) May 16, 2016
The news of Lawson’s surgery comes after the team revealed earlier in the day that top target, wide receiver Sammy Watkins had suffered a broken bone in his foot. The third year Clemson product is expected to be back on the field in time for the regular season. Last season, he led the team with 60 catches for 1,047 receiving yards and nine touchdowns while missing three games due to calf and ankle ailments.
Are the Bills being truthful or realistic about the downtime of these injuries?
I'm ashy but I'm good lol 😂😂😂 pic.twitter.com/UMBajUU6tF
— King me (@sammywatkins) May 16, 2016
