Jonathan Baldwin Probable vs. Colts

Kansas City Chiefs WR Jonathan Baldwin is probable for this weekend’s game against the Indianapolis Colts.

Whether or not they put him on the field remains to be seen.

The good news is that the Chiefs feel Baldwin is healthy enough to go. What we don’t know if they feel he is ready.

I can see why the Chiefs might be hesitant to throw Baldwin out there right away. He has been practicing with the team from the sidelines since he was injured in the preseason. Because Baldwin only had a thumb injury, he was able to run routes and practice the playbook. When the team was going through their drills and practice reps, Baldwin was shadowing them on the sideline. The only problem, of course, is that he wasn’t catching balls or taking hits.

This week, however, Baldwin returned. Coach Todd Haley seemed happy with the way Baldwin was practicing but he would not commit to whether or not the WR would be active or get into the game.

There is a chance that, with the bye week coming up, the Chiefs may want to give Baldwin another two weeks of practice before they throw him into a game.

I think the Chiefs have to put Baldwin out there at least for a few snaps. He is too talented and frankly, too big not to be out there helping the offense. Baldwin’s size will cause matchup problems for most any team. Put him out there with Dwayne Bowe and Steve Breaston and even if he isn’t getting open, he’ll be an effective decoy.

Baldwin should also be an asset in the red zone. With Bowe’s ability to go up and get a fade, and Leonard Pope’s size, Baldwin could make the Chiefs almost impossible to defend when throwing near the goal line.

I think we’ll see Baldwin out there. The Chiefs are 1-3 and are in danger of falling into a deeper hole in the AFC West if they don’t win. The Chiefs can’t afford caution any longer. It’s time to see what the kid’s got.