Optimism for return of CB Jaylen Watson for Chiefs' divisional round matchup vs. Texans is high
The Kansas City Chiefs could be getting a major boost on defense for their divisional round playoff matchup against the Houston Texans on Saturday. While speaking to the media on Tuesday, Chiefs coach Andy Reid was optimistic that cornerback Jaylen Watson will be available to play. "I kind of want to see this week and […]
The Kansas City Chiefs could be getting a major boost on defense for their divisional round playoff matchup against the Houston Texans on Saturday.
While speaking to the media on Tuesday, Chiefs coach Andy Reid was optimistic that cornerback Jaylen Watson will be available to play.
"I kind of want to see this week and see how he does, but [from] what I've seen so far, it's been good," Reid said on Watson's potential return. "He's been in good shape. I'm not telling you he can play a whole game, but I think he has a chance of playing. We'll see."
Watson's return would be warmly welcomed by a Chiefs' secondary that hasn't been as good without him. Our friend Ted Nguyen of The Athletic took to X to point out the statistical difference in the Chiefs' pass defense without Watson in the lineup.
Watson's replacements, Nazeeh Johnson and Joshua Williams, have been inconsistent at best in his absence. Getting back a player of Watson's caliber combined with how well Kansas City's pass rush has been over the last few weeks will make life extremely difficult for opposing offenses.
Chiefs cornerback Trent McDuffie told the media that Watson looks like his normal self and is excited to get back on the field.
"When you see him on the practice field, he's dancing, he's smiling," McDuffie said. "So, great to get guys coming back from injury, whether it's been two weeks or two months. I think he's doing really well. I think he's able to move around very well. You can tell that he's still retained the information. He's going out there, and it doesn't really look like he's coming off of injury. He's still going to have to get his football shape back, but as far as everything I've seen, he's looking really good. And I think he's done a great job with his recovery and getting back right."
The Chiefs opened Watson's 21-day practice window about two weeks ago and have until Friday, Jan. 24 to activate him to the 53-man roster from injured reserve. Watson has been out of action since Week 8 with a broken fibula that he suffered during Week 7's win over the San Francisco 49ers.
