The Kansas City Chiefs have hinted that a number of key starters, including Travis Kelce, will miss Sunday’s game against the Denver Broncos.
The Chiefs secured the AFC’s No. 1 seed and a bye in the first round of the playoffs on Christmas Day thanks to their win over the Pittsburgh Steelers.
It means coach Andy Reid doesn’t need to risk any of his key players for their final game of the regular season against the Denver Broncos on Sunday.
Reid already revealed this week that Patrick Mahomes will not play, with backup Carson Wentz to be the starting quarterback in Denver.
However, an injury report released by the Chiefs on Friday suggests a number of other big names will also get the week off.
Mahomes, Kelce, Chris Jones, Trent McDuffie, Nick Bolton, Kareem Hunt, George Karlaftis, Justin Reid and Drue Tranquill are all listed as doubtful for Sunday’s game.
Meanwhile Isiah Pacheco, Jawaan Taylor, Mecole Hardman, and Jaylen Watson are out.
On Friday, the Chiefs were handed a huge injury boost ahead of the playoffs when they designated cornerback Watson to return from IR, according to FOX’s Jordan Schultz.
Watson has been sidelined with a broken fibular since late October and his return is a huge boost for the reigning champions. He is reportedly set to practice at the end of Week 18 – the final week of the regular season.
Watson will now have 21 days to be activated to the 53-man roster and could be available to make an official return for Kansas City’s first postseason game in the divisional round.
The defensive star has not played since the Chiefs’ Super Bowl rematch against the San Francisco 49ers on October 20.
