Friday PM update: Watkins was able to get in a limited practice every day this week and is listed as questionable on the final injury report. We haven’t heard much about Watkins from coach Reid this week, but all signs point to him playing and possibly returning to his normal role as WR3. His presence would likely hurt the workload of Demarcus Robinson and Mecole Hardman.
Thursday AM update: Watkins practiced again on Thursday, per The Athletic’s Nate Taylor. He was listed as limited on Wednesday and could be again Thursday, but does seem to be back on track to play against the Buffalo Bills.
Kansas City Chiefs wideout Sammy Watkins hasn’t played since suffering a calf injury against the Atlanta Falcons in Week 16 but could be back on the field in time for his team’s AFC Championship matchup against the Buffalo Bills on Sunday. Watkins practiced on Wednesday, according to the Kansas City Star’s Sam McDowell.
Watkins had a down year because of injuries and only caught 37 passes for 421 yards and two scores during the regular season, but was one of Kansas City’s most important pieces during last year’s Super Bowl run. Patrick Mahomes’ faithful third option routinely made big plays in the playoffs to help the Chiefs secure comeback victories last postseason and could give the passing game a boost in his teams’ biggest game yet. Slowing down Travis Kelce and Tyreek Hill will be much more difficult for the Bills if they also have to worry about Watkins breaking loose.