By Tim Graham
Buffalo Bills receiver Stevie Johnson had groin surgery in late April. The procedure was considered minor, but significant enough to keep him out of team drills until training camp at St. John Fisher College.
Less than two weeks ago, Bills coach Chan Gailey virtually ruled out Johnson's return in time for next week's minicamp.
But after today's voluntary workout, Johnson declared himself a legitimate possibility to be on the field next week.
Johnson worked out by himself and away from his teammates this afternoon at One Bills Drive and said he is "way ahead of schedule" after practice.
"I'm ready to go," Johnson told reporters. "They said it was about six to eight [weeks for recovery], but I'm feeling like I'm ready to be out there, and I think we're moving towards that next week.
"We'll see how things go. As of now, they're saying I'll be out there to get some reps."
Johnson became the first receiver in Bills history to post consecutive 1,000-yard seasons last year and is by far the most experienced, talented and dangerous threat in the passing game. His presence on the field isn't an absolute requirement at this stage of the offseason, but it would be a nice development for quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick and the offense.
Johnson admitted his legs feel weak and a little dead lately, but he's getting positive feedback from trainers and is eager to run routes against defensive backs.
"That's always in the back of your head when you come back from an injury or a surgery. You don't want to rush it," Johnson said. "But we've been doing a lot [of physical therapy]. It feels like it's about there."
