As KC Chiefs prep for NFL playoffs, here’s the latest injury update for Watson, others
Players who did not practice for the Chiefs’ final regular-season game returned to workouts on Friday as the team prepares for the NFL playoffs.
Defensive tackle Chris Jones (calf), offensive lineman Jawaan Taylor (knee) and running back Isiah Pacheco (rib) were all back on the field Friday.
So was cornerback Jaylen Watson, who suffered a broken fibula in the Chiefs’ Week 6 game against the San Francisco 49ers.
At one point it was believed he was lost for the season. But there appears to be the possibility that Watson, who had solidified himself as the team’s No. 2 cornerback, could return for the postseason.
He was removed from the injured reserve list last week. That opened a 21-day practice window and he must return in that span in order to play during the playoffs.
“He worked last week,” Chiefs coach Andy Reid said of Watson during a Friday morning Zoom call with reporters. “And he came out of those workouts feeling good. We did one-on-one stuff today and he was able to get out there and work, and he’s looked good from what I’ve seen.”
In Watson’s absence, the Chiefs have used Joshua Williams, Nazeeh Johnson and Keith Taylor at the No. 2 cornerback spot.
The Chiefs’ first game in the playoffs will be either Saturday, Jan. 18 or Sunday, Jan. 19 at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Their opponent and exact game date/time will be determined by the outcome of this weekend’s Wild Card games.
The only AFC playoff teams the Chiefs wouldn’t face in that Divisional Round game in Kansas City are the Buffalo Bills and Baltimore Ravens — the conference’s second and third seeds.