The Kansas City Chiefs won their first playoff game in 22 years, hammering the Houston Texans by a 30-0 final score. However, there was a dark spot when star wide receiver Jeremy Maclin went down in the third quarter with an apparent knee injury.
Maclin was not carted off the field but was in tremendous pain, crying on the sideline while the doctors looked him over. However, it was reported by Terez Paylor of the Kansas City Star that Maclin was walking around with a slight limp after the game, without crutches, assistance or a walking boot.
Jeremy Maclin walked in the locker room on his own with a slight limp
— RIP Terez A. Paylor (@TerezPaylor) January 10, 2016
In the postgame press conference, head coach Andy Reid stated that Maclin has a strained knee and will be further evaluated with an MRI tomorrow. If Maclin only has a strained knee, that would be a huge lift for the Chiefs. He is clearly the best receiver on the team and without him, the pressure goes up on Alex Smith, Travis Kelce, Albert Wilson and Chris Conley.
Regardless, this is a team that has been stepping up all year. Look for the Chiefs to rally the troops and keep going for two reasons: They have no choice and this group would not want it any other way.