Returning KC Chiefs who will make an impact down the stretch

Sammy Watkins

Despite the number of significant playmakers already employed by the Chiefs on offense, we’ve all seen what Sammy Watkins brings to the table that allows Patrick Mahomes and company to operate on another level entirely. Consequently, we’ve also seen that when Watkins is out of the lineup, it feels like things don’t click the way that they should.

The Chiefs physical receiver is a chains-mover, to be sure, and becomes a punishing receiver when defenses key in too heavily on wide receiver Tyreek Hill and tight end Travis Kelce. In the playoffs, when defenses often bracket both players with multiple defenders, Watkins has come up big with tremendous catches and an ability to generate significant yards after making contact.

Unfortunately, Watkins has missed the last two games (and much of a third) with a hamstring injury and these are the types of issues that can hang around. The Chiefs decided against placing Watkins on IR, which means they expect him sooner than later. Perhaps it’s possible he’s even back in time to face the Jets in Week 8. If not, at the very least, we should expect him back for the season’s second half.