The Kansas City Chiefs will be without star safety Eric Berry, per Ian Rapoport, as they suit up to face the visiting Indianapolis Colts on Saturday.
Ian Rapoport has the final word on a couple key injuries for the Kansas City Chiefs as the team prepares to host the visiting Indianapolis Colts in the Divisional Round of the NFL playoffs. Specifically, Rapoport is reporting that wide receiver Sammy Watkins is expected to play for the Chiefs while Eric Berry will sit this one out.
That’s very good news for the team’s offense that Watkins can play again. The wide receiver was the free agent prize of the offseason for the Chiefs and the results were glowing through the first half of the regular season. Watkins was not only a dynamic target himself, capable of taking over games when defenses keyed in too heavily on other options, but he also largely freed up players like Travis Kelce, Kareem Hunt, and Tyreek Hill to put up big numbers.
Unfortunately, Watkins hurt his foot stretching a play for a first down late in the win over the Cleveland Browns. He’s only played a single offensive series ever since. His return will be one to watch to see if he’s truly ready or not to play, but if he shows he’s actually healthy and ready to play at full speed, the Chiefs could really show their early season offensive dominance.
On the flip side, the absence of Berry in the most important game of the season is frustrating all around. Berry is the consummate leader and performer and his presence would do wonders to straightening up a run defense against Marlon Mack and company. Instead, the Chiefs will likely rely on Eric Murray and Jordan Lucas to do the job—a substantial drop in experience and talent.