The Buffalo Bills got back on the field for the start of offseason conditioning on Monday morning, and arguably their best player on the roster was nowhere to be found.
Third-year wide receiver Sammy Watkins was not seen on the field for the workouts conducted by the team's strength and conditioning coaches. Watkins, defensive tackle Kyle Williams, and offensive tackle Seantrel Henderson were also notable no-shows at One Bills Drive.
At this stage of the offseason, the conditioning workouts are voluntary for players -- meaning that their presence is not required per the Collective Bargaining Agreement.
Watkins ended the 2015 season without a significant injury, but that wasn't the case for Williams and Henderson.
Williams missed the final 11 games of the season due to a season-ending knee injury, and has been rehabbing the entire offseason. As for Henderson, he missed the final five games of the season due to an illness, which was later reported to be Crohn's disease.
Williams, 33, is entering the final year of his contract with the Bills while recovering surgery to the meniscus in his left knee. Henderson is due to be a part of a training camp battle with Jordan Mills for the starting right tackle job along the offensive line.
Starting running back LeSean McCoy, amidst all his controversy from the offseason in Philadelphia, was present and taking part in the workouts Monday.
LeSean McCoy is back in Buffalo for offseason conditioning pic.twitter.com/SNq34rdhlV
— Joe Buscaglia (@JoeBuscaglia) April 18, 2016
The Bills also had safety Aaron Williams and wide receiver Marcus Easley on the field for offseason conditioning as well. Williams is attempting to come back from a season-ending neck injury that had the safety contemplating retirement last year. Easley suffered a devastating knee injury at the end of the season, breaking his knee in three spots and dislocating his kneecap as well.
Remarkably, Easley was able to participate in all the on-field drills that the Bills were put through.
This does not look like a man who broke his knee in three places and dislocated his kneecap in late December. #Bills pic.twitter.com/uM1eqC48me
— Joe Buscaglia (@JoeBuscaglia) April 18, 2016
Head coach Rex Ryan revealed that eight players had offseason procedures. Cornerback Ronald Darby, defensive lineman Marcell Dareus, wide receiver Robert Woods, and outside linebacker Jarius Wynn have all been cleared to participate in workouts with the team. However, wide receiver Marcus Easley, cornerback Stephon Gilmore, defensive end Jerry Hughes, and defensive tackle Kyle Williams have not yet been cleared following their surgeries.
