ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. -- Rex Ryan said Thursday that there is "heightened concern" over Sammy Watkins' availability for Sunday's game against the Arizona Cardinals after the Buffalo Bills' top receiver remained out of practice.
"I think there's a little more concern because of the fact that it's another day he didn't practice," Ryan said. "We'll see how it goes, but I certainly hope he [plays]."
Watkins started and played 40 snaps in the Bills' loss last Thursday to the New York Jets, despite being listed as questionable on the injury report. The third-year receiver has dealt with foot soreness in recent weeks following offseason surgery to repair a broken bone in his left foot.
Ryan has stated he wants to see Watkins targeted more often under new offensive coordinator Anthony Lynn, although Lynn noted Thursday that Watkins' health remains a hurdle.
"That's been a focus," Lynn said. "But it's also a focus with Sammy to get on the practice field. He's injured, so we have to be cautious with his injury. Rest him and just get him to the game.
"I think the best way to get better and develop skills is to practice. And when he doesn't practice, that is a concern. But he's an elite guy, so we feel like he can go out on Sundays with limited reps and get it done."
Watkins has been targeted 10 times, tied for the team lead, through the first two games, according to ESPN Stats & Information. He has caught six passes for 63 yards.
The Bills' health at receiver took another hit in Thursday's practice when backup Greg Salas suffered a groin injury, which Ryan did not think was major.
If neither Watkins nor Salas can play in Sunday's game, the Bills would be down to Robert Woods, Marquise Goodwin, Brandon Tate and Walter Powell at receiver.
"You talk about ground and pound," Ryan said. "We [would be] back to ground and pound."