ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. -- For Buffalo Bills wide receiver Sammy Watkins, practice was one thing. The fourth overall pick dazzled in training camp with multiple awe-inspiring catches caught on video.

Translating that over to a game came slowly. Watkins injured his ribs in the preseason loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers before returning for the preseason finale and leaving again with a similar injury. Last week, three catches in the first quarter against the Chicago Bears were the extent of his production in an overtime win.

That all changed Sunday when Watkins broke through with an eight-catch, 117 yard performance in a 29-10 win over the Miami Dolphins.

Watkins was targeted 11 times, while all other Bills receivers totaled 15 targets. Watkins' 12-yard touchdown in the third quarter was the Bills' lone passing touchdown of the game and the first career score for the first receiver taken in May's draft.

"It was amazing," Watkins said. "Just to see how the fans got involved and to have my first TD [at] the Ralph was amazing."

Watkins continues to play through pain. He came off the field twice Sunday, including on the first drive after taking hits from defenders. In one case, he was hunched over on the sideline as the offense was on the field.

But in both cases, he was checked out by trainers and returned to action.

"I feel great," Watkins said of his health. "We got the win, and that's the ultimate goal. We just have to keep working."

Given his apparent discomfort, the Bills will need to be careful how much they work Watkins moving forward. He remains an important part of their offense and a rib injury in September that lingers into November would be a problem.

For now, Watkins has shown an ability to play through the pain and after a slow start, that's exactly what the Bills need from him.

"It happened that a lot of calls and progressions had him getting the ball and coming open," quarterback EJ Manuel said. "I'm very proud of him."