Kansas City Chiefs in major Divisional Round boost with top Andy Reid stalwart fighting to be fit to face Texans
The Chiefs also revealed other injury updates
THE Kansas City Chiefs could be getting an injured defensive star back into the fold for the team’s playoff game this weekend.
Head coach Andy Reid and the Chiefs will take on the Houston Texans in the Divisional Round of the playoffs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead in Kansas City on Saturday.
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Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid watches from the sidelines next to defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo in a Week 18 game against the Denver BroncosCredit: AP
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Reid and the No. 1 seed Chiefs will play against the AFC South champion Houston Texans in the Divisional Round of the NFL Playoffs on SaturdayCredit: AP
Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City team haven’t played a meaningful down of football since December 25 after securing the first-round bye thanks to a 15-2 finish in the regular season.
Still, the Chiefs have key players that are dealing with injuries.
Reid spoke to reporters and revealed the status of numerous injured players including cornerback Jaylen Watson, who returned to the practice field on January 3 and seems to be trending to play.
“I kind of want to see this week, see how he does,” Reid said about Watson.
“What I’ve seen so far, it’s been good. He’s in good shape.
“I’m not telling you he could play a whole game but I think he has a chance of playing.
“We’ll see.”
Watson last played against the San Francisco 49ers in Week 7.
He was a full participant in practice on Tuesday.
The addition of Watson will be a big boost for the Chiefs secondary.
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He recorded 32 tackles while allowing a 53.3 competition percentage in his six games.
Defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo turned to cornerbacks Joshua Williams and Nazeeh Johnson during his absence but none solidified the position.
If Watson suits up on Saturday, he will play alongside starting cornerback Trent McDuffie.
Kansas City’s secondary will prepare to defend wideouts Nico Collins, John Metchie III, and Robert Woods, among others.
NFL division round schedule
Sat 18 Jan, 4.30 pm ET (ESPN/ABC) – Houston Texans at Kansas City Chiefs
Sat 18 Jan, 8 pm ET (Fox) – Washington Commanders at Detroit Lions
Sun 19 Jan, 3 pm ET (NBC) – Los Angeles Rams at Philadelphia Eagles
Sun 19 Jan, 6.30 pm ET (CBS) – Baltimore Ravens at Buffalo Bills
The Chiefs also revealed optimistic injury updates on several players.
Left tackle D.J. Humphries (hamstring), defensive tackle Chris Jones (calf), right tackle Jawaan Taylor (knee), and the superstar quarterback Mahomes (ankle) all fully practiced on Tuesday.
The only limited participant in the practice was wide receiver Mecole Hardman.
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Chiefs cornerback Jaylen Watson tackles Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver DeVonta Smith during a 2023 game
