Buffalo Bills wide receiver Sammy Watkins (14) holds his side...

Buffalo Bills wide receiver Sammy Watkins (14) holds his side after getting hit by Pittsburgh Steelers outside linebacker Ryan Shazier (50) in the first quarter of a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Buffalo Bills. Watkins left the game after the play. Credit: AP / Vincent Pugliese

Bills rookie receiver Sammy Watkins hurt his ribs after being struck in the side during the first quarter of Buffalo's preseason finale against the Detroit Lions on Thursday night.

Watkins was hurt on Buffalo's second possession, when he cut in from the right side on a slant pattern. Quarterback EJ Manuel never looked Watkins off and was a little late on the throw. Watkins reached out to knock down the ball, when he was hit by linebacker Ashlee Palmer.

The rookie first-round draft pick held his side before making his way to the sideline where he was attended to by Bills doctor John Marzo.

Watkins did not play against Tampa Bay on Saturday because of bruised ribs.

The Bills said Watkins' return to the game was questionable.

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