Chiefs’ Jaylen Watson Returns for Playoffs as Texans Face Uphill Battle

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The Kansas City Chiefs are set to activate starting cornerback Jaylen Watson off the injured reserve list in time for Saturday’s divisional-round playoff game against the Houston Texans at Arrowhead Stadium, a source told ESPN.

Coach Andy Reid did not confirm Watson’s activation but acknowledged the cornerback’s hard work to return from a broken ankle suffered in Week 7. “He’s worked tremendously hard to get himself to this point, first of all, and we will just see how that goes as far as the game reps and all that,” Reid said Thursday. Watson, who started the first six games of the season and broke up six passes, could provide a significant boost to a Chiefs defense that has struggled in his absence.

The Chiefs, aiming for a third consecutive Super Bowl appearance, enter the game as heavy favorites. They finished the regular season with a 15-2 record, securing the AFC’s top seed. Meanwhile, the Texans, who clinched the AFC South with a 10-7 record, pulled off a surprising 32-12 victory over the Los Angeles Chargers in the Wild Card Round.

Kansas City’s early bye in Week 6 left little room for rest during a grueling final stretch of the season. However, the team benefited from a bye week during the wild-card round, allowing key players like quarterback Patrick Mahomes to recover from injuries. The Chiefs’ injury report showed 11 players listed, but all were full participants in practice this week.

For Houston, tight end Teagan Quitoriano has been ruled out, but the Texans received positive news regarding three key starters. Running back Joe Mixon and linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair, both listed as questionable earlier in the week, are expected to play. Wide receiver Robert Woods, who missed practice all week, remains a game-time decision.

The Texans’ defense, which dominated against the Chargers, will need another standout performance to challenge the Chiefs. However, Kansas City’s playoff experience and home-field advantage make them formidable opponents. As NFL expert Cody Williams noted, the Chiefs’ postseason dominance and improved health could prove decisive in this matchup.