Anthony Hitchens, Sammy Watkins expected to return from injury against Rams

The Kansas City Chiefs are expecting wide receiver Sammy Watkins and linebacker Anthony Hitchens to play against the L.A. Rams.

The Kansas City Chiefs will enjoy a nice boost on both sides of the ball with the announced return of both linebacker Anthony Hitchens and wide receiver Sammy Watkins from injury when the team plays the Los Angeles Rams in Week 10.

Both Hitchens and Watkins missed Week 9 due to lingering injuries that they likely could have played through if absolutely necessary. Hitchens was even suited up and available for an emergency but his bruised ribs will not heal unless he can get serious rest. Hopefully, the chance to sit for the entire game against the Arizona Cardinals gave him enough time where he can return with full force on Monday Night Football.

As for Watkins, the Chiefs offense looked a bit stiff at times on Sunday and even stalled for consecutive punts in the second half. Dustin Colquitt put up five punts on the day, perhaps the best sign that Patrick Mahomes and company were a bit out of sync. Without Watkins, the Chiefs lacked the overall firepower to keep the Cardinals on their heels defensively.

Coming up against the Rams in primetime, the Chiefs will be anxious to add as much talent as they can on both sides of the ball. Before the injury, Watkins was one of three pass catchers for the Chiefs ranked in the NFL’s Top 30 in receiving yards, including two in the top ten: wide receiver Tyreek Hill and tight end Travis Kelce. Hitchens return spells Ben Niemann in the middle and keeps any rookies from playing serious time in such an important game for K.C.

Watkins has 39 catches for 566 receiving yards and 3 touchdowns so far on the year. As for Hitchens, he leads the Chiefs in tackles with 80 tackles.