Sammy Watkins (ribs) out vs. Bucs

ByMIKE RODAK
August 23, 2014, 4:31 PM

— -- ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. -- Buffalo Bills wide receiver Sammy Watkins (ribs) did not play in Saturday's preseason game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Watkins, the fourth overall pick in May's draft, bruised his ribs in last Saturday's preseason loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers. He was limited in four practices this week, although the rookie downplayed his injury and said he felt ready to play in a game.

"It's just being safe," Watkins said Tuesday.

Without Watkins, the Bills were expected to use Mike Williams, Robert Woods and Chris Hogan as their first-team receivers with quarterback EJ Manuel.

Meanwhile, the Bills were without starting defensive tackle Kyle Williams (leg) and starting left guard Chris Williams (lower back) for Saturday's game.