Chiefs vs. Ravens: K.C. has cautious optimism for Sammy Watkins

The Chiefs got Sammy Watkins back in practice in a limited format on Friday.

The Kansas City Chiefs got some good news on Friday when it comes to Sammy Watkins. At the same time, there’s still a need for a guarded or cautious optimism when it comes to the wide receiver’s ability to play against the Baltimore Ravens in Week 3.

As the Chiefs prepare for what is likely the most highly-anticipated matchup of the entire NFL calendar—at least heading into the regular season— the team is uncertain whether or not one of Patrick Mahomes top targets is going to be able to suit up. Watkins left the Chiefs last game, a 23-20 win over the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 2, after getting injured in a helmet-to-helmet hit.

After the game, it was clear that Watkins had been placed in the league’s concussion protocol and that’s where he remains, even with word that he’s now available to practice in a limited capacity for the Chiefs. Watkins missed practice earlier this week and will apparently be eased along to see about his availability for the Monday Night Football showdown. It helps the Chiefs to have an extra day this week before playing the Ravens.

On Thursday, head coach Andy Reid stated that the team’s primary concern was more about Watkins’ neck than his head on the injury.  That could make it easier to get him released from any league-wide protocols lingering, although no one involved should be interesting rushing Watkins in this process.

Through parts of two games in 2020, Watkins had 8 catches for 93 yards and 1 touchdown so far this year. He had 52 catches for 673 yards and 3 scores for the Chiefs in 2019.