Chiefs’ Key Players Return to Practice Ahead of NFL Playoffs

As the NFL postseason kicks off, the Kansas City Chiefs are enjoying a bye week thanks to their status as the AFC‘s No. 1 seed. The defending back-to-back Super Bowl champions faced a grueling season, battling injuries that sidelined several key players. However, head coach Andy Reid provided encouraging updates on Friday, confirming that multiple injured players participated in practice ahead of the divisional round.

Among those returning to practice were defensive lineman Chris Jones (calf), running back Isiah Pacheco (rib), right tackle Jawaan Taylor (knee), and defensive back Chamarri Conner (shoulder). Cornerback Jaylen Watson (ankle), who has been on injured reserve since Week 7, also practiced, with Reid noting that Watson ‘moved around well.’ Watson’s potential return could bolster Kansas City’s defense as they aim for a historic Super Bowl three-peat.

Reid expressed optimism about the players’ recovery, stating, ‘They are all doing well.’ However, the Chiefs will not release official participation details until next week. The team also placed defensive tackle Marlon Tuipulotu on injured reserve, opening a roster spot for Watson or receiver Mecole Hardman, who is recovering from a knee injury.

The Chiefs’ injury-plagued season has tested their depth, but the bye week provides a crucial opportunity for players to heal. Pacheco, limited to seven regular-season games due to a fractured leg, has struggled to regain his usual form, tallying just 389 scrimmage yards and one touchdown. Taylor, dealing with a lingering knee issue, has been a key contributor on the offensive line, earning a 70.8 pass-blocking grade on Pro Football Focus this season.

Jones, a six-time Pro Bowl selection, has been sidelined since Dec. 21 with a calf injury. Despite a dip in box score numbers, he remains one of the league’s top interior defenders. Conner, who left Week 18’s game with a shoulder injury, had a breakout season with career highs in solo tackles (58), passes defended (4), and interceptions (2).

Watson’s return would be a significant boost for the Chiefs’ secondary. Before his injury, he was one of the league’s top ballhawks, earning a 74.2 coverage grade on Pro Football Focus, ranking 16th among cornerbacks.

The Chiefs, with +370 odds to win the Super Bowl, are second only to the Detroit Lions (+320) in championship betting. Their path to a three-peat begins in the divisional round, where they will host the AFC’s lowest-remaining seed from the wild card matchups.