Sammy Watkins expected to be healthy for Chiefs playoff run
By Matt Conner
The Chiefs are expecting Sammy Watkins to be healthy for the team’s playoff run.
The Kansas City Chiefs learned last year just how valuable wide receiver Sammy Watkins can be in the team’s offensive production when everything matters most. They’re hoping to see similar output this year in the team’s run it back campaign to defend their Super Bowl title. The good news is that Watkins is expected to be healthy for the team’s opening playoff game, especially as he’s going to have the next two weeks to rest.
Watkins left the team’s most recent win over the Atlanta Falcons early with an injured calf, but NFL reporter Ian Rapoport says the Chiefs avoided any serious concern there as the injury is believed to be only minor.
#Chiefs WR Sammy Watkins suffered a calf injury yesterday, but the belief is he did not suffer a major injury, source said. He’ll likely rest next week, then have the bye. Good chance he’s back by that point.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) December 28, 2020
Watkins was a revelation last year at this time when the Chiefs went on their run to Super Bowl LIV with 14 catches on 18 targets for 288 receiving yards and a touchdown. Together with Tyreek Hill and tight end Travis Kelce, the Chiefs offense could not be stopped once they got moving, which enabled to overcome double-digit deficits in each of their three playoff games.
So far this year, Watkins has missed considerable time due to a hamstring injury that kept him out of Weeks 6-11. Health has always been the biggest issue with Watkins and that’s certainly been true of his tenure with the Chiefs after stints with the Buffalo Bills and L.A. Rams. Yet when he is available, Watkins is a major asset as a physical receiver with great hands who is so dangerous after the catch.
Given that Watkins will now sit in Week 17, he will end the year with 37 catches for 421 yards and 2 touchdowns in 2020.
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