The Chiefs activated Jaylen Watson from the injured list on Friday, increasing the likelihood that one of their top cornerbacks will be ready when they begin the divisional round of the playoffs in a couple of weeks.
Watson, 26, earned a starting role next to Trent McDuffie in training camp and was playing well until he injured his ankle during a 28-18 win over the 49ers in Week 7. At that point, the Chiefs thought it was unlikely Watson would return this season, but his recovery has been fast, and now there’s a chance he could play in the postseason.
Kansas City has earned the No. 1 seed and a first-round bye, meaning their first game won’t be until at least Jan. 18.
“He’s really done well coming back,” Chiefs coach Andy Reid said after Friday’s practice. “I’m curious to see how he did and how he felt. He was out there until the end and moving around pretty good from what I saw.”
The Chiefs play the Broncos on Sunday in a game that has no impact on their playoff position, but it is important for Denver, which needs to win to have a chance to make the playoffs.
Reid had already said quarterback Patrick Mahomes would sit out the game, meaning backup Carson Wentz will start. The Chiefs also ruled out right tackle Jawaan Taylor (knee) and running back Isiah Pacheco (ribs) due to injuries on Friday.
Several stars — defensive tackle Chris Jones, tight end Travis Kelce, cornerback Trent McDuffie, pass rusher George Karlaftis, safety Justin Reid, and linebackers Nick Bolton and Drue Tranquill — are doubtful and likely won’t play.
Reid said former Pro Bowl left tackle D.J. Humphries could start against the Broncos. He signed with the Chiefs during the season but injured his hamstring in his first game on Dec. 8 against the Chargers and hasn’t played since. The Chiefs hope to give him some game time to shake off the rust before the playoffs.
“He’s one that I’m kind of checking every day here as we go,” Reid said, “but he looked like he did good today.”
Watson’s return would be a major boost for a defense that ranks second in scoring, fourth against the rush, and overall, but just 14th against the pass. The Chiefs have relied on Joshua Williams to fill in for him, but his inconsistent performance has led them to try Nazeeh Johnson, Chamarri Conner, and Chris Roland-Wallace in the defensive backfield.
Reid said Watson worked hard in rehab to put himself in a position to play in the postseason.
“I get to see it every day, the progress he’s making, or at least get an update on it,” Reid said. “He’s been doing so well that I figured he’d be out there to give it a whirl. … He was moving around pretty good. Be curious to see how he feels here after this practice and into tomorrow.”
