The Kansas City Chiefs are set to welcome a key player back to their defence as they gear up for what they hope will be a long playoff run. According to Jordan Schultz of Fox Sports, the Chiefs are designating CB Jaylen Watson to return to practice, and he is expected to be on the field Friday.
The move means Watson’s 21-day practice window is now open and the Chiefs have until January 24 to activate him to the 53-man roster from injured reserve. The cornerback has been on injured reserve since Week 8 after he sustained a broken fibula during the team’s win over the San Francisco 49ers. Chiefs head coach Andy Reid hinted at Watson’s return earlier in the week when he spoke to the media on Monday. “There’s a chance with Mecole (Hardman) and potentially (Jaylen) Watson,” Reid said. “I mean, potentially, you know, that would be stretching it, the whole thing.”
Watson news is a boost for the Chiefs
Kansas City’s move to open Watson’s practice window means the 26-year-old will have a little over two weeks to prepare for the Chiefs’ divisional playoff game since they have a first round bye.
Breaking: The #Chiefs are designating CB Jaylen Watson to return from IR, and he will practice today, sources tell @NFLonFOX. This is a huge boost for Kansas City, who has been without Watson since late October due to a broken fibula.
He and Trent McDuffie are one of the best CB… pic.twitter.com/ePRd10X5YG
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) January 3, 2025
The Chiefs can also opt to keep him on injured reserve for the divisional round, though he would have to be activated before the AFC Championship Game should KC advance to the game. Watson has been working hard in order to return to the field as he began running back in early December.
Before his injury he was playing at a Pro Bowl level, amassing 32 total tackles, six passes defended and an interception in six games for the Chiefs. His return would provide a huge boost for KC in their pursuit for a third-straight Super Bowl, as few teams are able to field a cornerback pairing of Watson and Trent McDuffie, who starts on the opposite side.
