KANSAS CITY, Mo. — On Friday, the Chiefs made a significant step towards bolstering their defense by designating cornerback Jaylen Watson for a return from the injured reserve list. This move increases the likelihood that Watson, who has been recovering from an ankle injury, could feature in the upcoming playoff games as the Chiefs gear up for the divisional round in a few weeks.
Watson, 26, had secured a starting position alongside Trent McDuffie during training camp and was performing admirably until he sustained a broken ankle in Week 7 during a match against the 49ers, which Kansas City won 28-18. Initially, the prognosis for his return this season seemed grim, but his swift recovery has opened avenues for a possible return during the playoffs.
Having clinched the No. 1 seed and a first-round bye, the Chiefs will not take to the field again until at least January 18. Chiefs head coach Andy Reid commented on Watson’s progress following Friday’s practice, noting, “He’s really done well coming back. I’m curious to see how he did and how he felt. He was out there until the end and moving around pretty good from what I saw.”
This Sunday, Kansas City will face the Broncos in a matchup that holds significant implications for Denver but is less consequential for the Chiefs’ playoff positioning. Mahomes, the team’s star quarterback, will rest for this game, directing backup Carson Wentz to take over the responsibilities under center. Additionally, right tackle Jawaan Taylor (knee) and running back Isiah Pacheco (ribs) are ruled out due to injuries, while several key players including defensive tackle Chris Jones and tight end Travis Kelce are doubtful to participate.
Reid mentioned the potential return of former Pro Bowl left tackle D.J. Humphries, who may start against the Broncos. Humphries, who joined the Chiefs halfway through the season, injured his hamstring during his debut against the Chargers on December 8 and has since been sidelined. Reid expressed interest in giving him some playing time to regain his rhythm ahead of the playoffs, stating, “He’s one that I’m kind of checking every day here as we go, but he looked like he did good today.”
The return of Watson would significantly bolster a defensive unit that ranks second in scoring defense and fourth against the rush, yet stands at 14th in pass defense. The Chiefs have made efforts to fill the gap left by Watson’s injury, relying on Joshua Williams, but his inconsistency has also led them to experiment with players like Nazeeh Johnson and Chris Roland-Wallace in the secondary.
Reid emphasized Watson’s commitment during his rehabilitation, acknowledging the hard work he’s put in, stating, “I get to see it every day, the progress he’s making, or at least get an update on it, and he’s been doing so well that I figured that he’d be out there to give it a whirl. … He was moving around pretty good. Be curious to see how he feels here after this practice and into tomorrow.”
