While the lion’s share of attention (and rightly so) when it comes to the Kansas City Chiefs injury report is on quarterback Patrick Mahomes, it’s important to note that the team is also looking a lot healthier on both sides of the ball after giving some key players another week of rest.
After missing Sunday’s game against the Cleveland Browns, the Chiefs saw key contributors return to practice on Wednesday as the team prepares to host the Buffalo Bills. The list includes wide receiver Sammy Watkins, running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire, and cornerbacks Rashad Fenton and Bashaud Breeland.
Andy Reid said the lone player who didn't practice today was Willie Gay.
— Nate Taylor (@ByNateTaylor) January 20, 2021
Watkins would be a nice addition to have back in the fold on offense given that he also missed the Chiefs’ last game against the Bills back in Week 6. In that specific contest, the Bills defense held Tyreek Hill to a quiet afternoon and Travis Kelce also put up fairly pedestrian numbers as the Chiefs simply took what the Bills defense gave them—which was 245 rushing yards on the day en route to a fairly easy win.
The presence of Watkins will keep defenses from keying in too much on the Chiefs’ elite pass catchers, which could open things up on the ground once again. The Chiefs were led by Darrel Williams on Sunday, but Le’Veon Bell is certainly capable of being an impact player, and the potential return of Edwards-Helaire is also exciting—especially knowing how well he ran against Buffalo last game.
The inability of Gay to practice on Wednesday is frustrating given that he is the team’s most athletic linebacker. He continues to miss time with a sprained ankle.
The official injury report from practice will be out soon, but the Chiefs certainly look much healthier than they did even four days ago. That’s good news as they prepare to host the AFC Championship.