KC Chiefs have numerous injuries to watch as training camp begins

Jan 3, 2021; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Mike Williams (81) catches a pass against Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Deandre Baker (30) during the first half at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 3, 2021; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Mike Williams (81) catches a pass against Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Deandre Baker (30) during the first half at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports /
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MIAMI, FLORIDA – FEBRUARY 02: Armani Watts #23 of the Kansas City Chiefs makes a catch during the fourth quarter against the San Francisco 49ers in Super Bowl LIV at Hard Rock Stadium on February 02, 2020 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
MIAMI, FLORIDA – FEBRUARY 02: Armani Watts #23 of the Kansas City Chiefs makes a catch during the fourth quarter against the San Francisco 49ers in Super Bowl LIV at Hard Rock Stadium on February 02, 2020 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /

Armani Watts, S

Armani Watts is the sort of under-appreciated player who is often forgotten in the shadow of his teammates who rightfully deserve the spotlight like Tyrann Mathieu. That said, it’s also wrong to overlook the contributions of special teams players like Watts who end up providing the proverbial glue on the roster—players who do the dirty work, who fill in the details of a championship team.

Unfortunately for Watts, he’s beginning his contract season as one of the few injured players who aren’t ready to practice just yet. A foot injury has kept him out of OTAs this spring and he’s reportedly still dealing with that, which is why he was forced to sit as training camp began for returning injured players on Saturday, per Matt Derrick.

What does this mean for his ability to make the roster? It’s hard to say whether the Chiefs really need to see much from him in the preseason knowing that he’s a proven performer for Dave Toub’s special teams units. Then again, if he’s injured and coming into his final season, a door of opportunity could be open for other players hopeful to turn the coaches’ heads like Zayne Anderson or Devon Key.