KC Chiefs enter bye week with several injury questions to answer

Sammy Watkins

The Chiefs offense has been remarkably efficient even as Sammy Watkins is sitting out. That won’t continue to be the case if Watkins remains on the sidelines.

In the playoffs, teams have proven capable of bracketing or double-teaming both Travis Kelce and Tyreek Hill, which has generally frustrated the Chiefs offense when it matters most. When Watkins is out of the lineup, defenses don’t have to be as accountable, which allows them to shade further players toward the Chiefs other big playmakers.

The emergence of Mecole Hardman this season will continue to help as he gains experience, and Demarcus Robinson has come up big in the past. The additions of Clyde Edwards-Helaire and Le’Veon Bell to the backfield will also help in moments like these in the postseason or even before. But Watkins is always going to be an appreciated asset.

Watkins has been out for the last four weeks with a hamstring injury. He’s avoided injured reserve this entire time, which means the Chiefs clearly believed he could have been ready before now. However, the team reached the bye week and Watkins was still not available.

The good news is that Watkins was able to practice in part all through last week, so it makes sense that he would return after the bye week. Watch the Chiefs practice sessions for news to see if Watkins is finally a full participant or not.