Andy Reid was clearly upset by the helmet hit on Sammy Watkins.
In the third quarter of the Kansas City Chiefs’ 23-20 overtime win over the Los Angeles Chargers, Sammy Watkins left the game with an apparent head injury. He would immediately be escorted to the locker room by the training staff and taken through concussion protocol—a move that kept the Chiefs wide receiver out for the rest of the game.
The hit that caused this injury was heavily criticized by viewers as it was not only late but also clearly aimed at the head of Watkins.
Pretty clear helmet to helmet on the hit to Sammy Watkins there #Chiefs pic.twitter.com/T52fhxJEMu
— Sully Engels (@sullyengels) September 20, 2020
Chiefs head coach Andy Reid had some comments about this hit in his post-game conferences, and he was clearly upset about not only the hit from the AFC West rivals but the lack of action from the officiating crew.
Andy Reid says the injuries are Antonio Hamilton (groin), Darrel Williams (ankle) & Frank Clark (illness).
— Nate Taylor (@ByNateTaylor) September 21, 2020
"Sammy Watkins got a hit to the head that I thought was very questionable," Reid said. "We're not supposed to have those in our game."
In a close game like this game was, Reid has every right to be upset about the loss of a player and lack of action for the hit. Fifteen yards for a personal foul could have further helped completely shift the momentum in the game, and Watkins’ route running and talent off the line could have been very useful in the Chiefs’ final two drives of the game. Instead, Demarcus Robinson had to step in as WR2.
Before leaving the game, Watkins was targeted three times, with only one reception, which was the catch he took the hit on. He came into this game after a huge Week 1 showing, where he had 7 receptions for 82 yards and a touchdown. Further medical updates on Watkins will come from the Chiefs as the team returns to Kansas City.