Receiver Sammy Watkins aims to revitalize a career that ‘hasn’t been what I projected it to be’ | Pro football

“I can’t stop injuries. What I can try to do is prevent them,” Watkins said. “I think my career has been good — got a Super Bowl (with the Kansas City Chiefs) — but I’m here trying to revive my career and play at the highest level and be the best that I can.

“When I’m on the field, I can catch balls, I can score, and I’m a dominant player. But the key is staying on the field.”

The last time Watkins and LaFleur were together was in 2017, after the Bills traded Watkins to the Los Angeles Rams. With LaFleur serving as coach Sean McVay’s offensive coordinator, Watkins caught 39 passes for 593 yards and eight touchdowns.

“Obviously we have history going back to L.A. together, so that definitely gives you a pretty good idea of what he’s capable of doing,” LaFleur said. “I don’t think his game has fallen off at all since we were together in 2017.”

Asked if Watkins, who finished with career lows in receptions (27) and receiving yards (394) while playing in 13 games last season for the Baltimore Ravens, must prove his game hasn’t fallen off, LaFleur nodded.

“I would say so — and that’s been part of our conversation,” LaFleur replied. “I know he’s highly motivated, and watching the way he works and the way he handles his business, he’s a true pro. So, I think we’re going to get a great version of Sammy Watkins.”

Rodgers is making the same bet. The two were on the field for the first time together during the team’s two minicamp practices — Rodgers hadn’t attended any organized team activity practices and Watkins had only been a part-time participant at OTAs — and the four-time NFL MVP believes Watkins’ realization that he might be at the end of the road will prove to be game-changing for him.

That was among the points Rodgers made to Watkins during their FaceTime call after he signed his one-year, $1.85 million contract — a deal that included just $350,000 guaranteed.

“I knew he was somebody we had targeted and we were interested in, and I was 100 percent on board with that,” Rodgers said. “I think it’s important (to) get guys who have a lot to play for, and I think Sammy has the opportunity to travel down a new path in his career — and we can help him here as he continues to improve and gets opportunities.

“The most important thing for receivers and pass catchers and ball carriers is opportunities, and there’s definitely going to be opportunities for him to make plays for us in this offense. I love the disposition, I really enjoy the person, and I think he has everything right in front of him to have as productive a year as he wants to.”

During the same Q&A session with reporters, Rodgers also said he’s excited about Allen Lazard, who has not yet signed his restricted free-agent tender but is the team’s most productive returning receiver, “getting an opportunity to be a No. 1 receiver” and that he’s “not worried about him at all stepping into that role” despite Lazard’s offseason absence.

Nevertheless, with Lazard’s limited production (he set career highs with 40 receptions for 513 yards and eight TDs last year) and the unknowns of having four rookie wide receivers on the roster (Christian Watson, Romeo Doubs, Samori Toure and Danny Davis), Watkins has a clear path toward big numbers if he stays on the field with Rodgers.

“This is probably one of the best situations I’ve ever been in in my career — to play with one of the best quarterbacks in the league, one of the best coaches, one of the best organizations,” Watkins said. “To get this opportunity is really a blessing because I did nothing last year. I was hurt. And to get a call from Matt and this organization revived me. And hopefully I can have a healthy season and play hard and win a ton of games.”