New Orleans Saints tight end Jimmy Graham is likely not to play on Sunday against the Buffalo Bills, according to a report from the NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.
Graham missed practice time this past week with a foot injury and was expected to be a game-time decision on Sunday. According to Rapoport, however, Graham is going to be a "longshot" to play, despite the fact Graham has yet to start warm ups for the game.
Jimmy Graham is a "long shot" to play at this point, @RapSheet said on @nflnetwork. He will workout pregame, but could be a stretch to play
— NFL: AroundTheLeague (@NFL_ATL) October 27, 2013
Jay Glazer of Fox Sports provides some more insight into the injury and why Graham might be unlikely to play on Sunday:
Graham went in early to get extra treatment on it this AM b4 tests it on field. Plantar fascia is partially torn. He needs it to fully tear
— Jay Glazer (@JayGlazer) October 27, 2013
Partially torn plantar fascia is extremely painful and makes it hard to run and cut. No way to predict until he runs this AM
— Jay Glazer (@JayGlazer) October 27, 2013
Graham was the leading receiver in the NFL through the first six weeks of the season, and now sits just 35 yards behind league-leading Torrey Smith after the Saints enjoyed a bye week in Week 7. Graham has 37 catches for 593 yards and six touchdowns, and is easily the league's most dangerous tight end receiving threat in 2013.
In his place, Benjamin Watson is expected to get the start. The 10-year NFL veteran has eight receptions for 110 yards and an interception this season for the Saints, after spending the past three seasons with the Cleveland Browns.
Kickoff is set for 1 p.m. ET with coverage on CBS.
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