Watson was hurt for parts of the preseason and when he came back he looked horrible. He needed a full game to get back up to speed.

Yeah, I’m really going to be disappointed losing $100 when I get to walk out of Arrowhead after another AFCCG win and know I’ll be attending another SB…in New Orleans. Missing the forest for the trees there, BWillie.

people really didn’t think he was gonna come back? i wouldn’t be surprised if he’s ready for the divisional round.

Would be incredible to get him back

The blessing in disguise is spags knows exactly what we have by now in nazeeh and Josh Williams. Arguably helped us learn more about cook, Conner and hicks.

This would be absolutely incredible, as long as there are no long term risks for him. Man, everyone on this team is just built different. There’s no waiting until next year for any of these guys. I think about all the losers who must have been involved in that franchise ranking poll who said the Chiefs make you play through injuries. I still chuckle at that one. Yeah, that’s why we win Super Bowls, and why those players in that poll aren’t here anymore.

You want to be a Chief, be ready to play football. We’re not here for you to fill up your social media account. If you’re alive and cleared by doctors, you’re on the field. That’s how it should be. Let’s go, 35! We need you!

That video really doesn't mean anything. Let's see him cut on it

I will have to suffice watching it at Applebees drinking Busch Light dreaming that I was TwistedChief...but at least Ill have his $100. That will go a long way for my child support.

It filters down from Patrick. He plays hurt regularly. Just a sliver of the master class in humble servant leadership he displays every day setting a championship culture and doing whatever it takes to play and win is a part of it.

Guys want to be a part of it.

He's openly talked about it. He asks guys to play hurt, and he does the same.

I ****ing hate it, but the Pats had the same culture of leaders and highest paid guys doing extra work on certain drills and ST. Sets an expectation for the young guys.

It means plenty.

If he can explode off an ankle to sprint, he can cut on it. It's just a question of pain tolerance.

Doesn't sound like he will be back.

Better quote to include Rice.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Chiefs?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Chiefs</a> HC Andy Reid says there is a chance that Mecole Hardman and Jaylen Watson could return from injury for the playoffs, but says it&#39;s probably a stretch with Watson. No chance for Rashee Rice.</p>&mdash; Charles Goldman (@goldmctNFL) <a href="https://twitter.com/goldmctNFL/status/1873793858074489050?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 30, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

He'll be back in time for the parade.

Pay me Bwillie

The fact that Andy has left the door open for Watson is good enough for me. If he had no chance Andy would have put his name with Rice and Skyy. It's really up to Jaylen now to make sure the rehab continues to trend upwards.

I saw a video of him running at the practice facility earlier.

Considering he's not far removed from a tight rope surgery, he must have some insane pain tolerance.

I'd pump the brakes on that. For the part that he controls I believe he's doing everything he can. If he doesn't make it back it just is what it is.

I want him back, but I'm also a little worried about him being rusty in a playoff game. It might be less risky to roll with Josh.

I won't be judging Jaylen harshly if he doesn't make it back. I'm just saying he just needs to keep doing what he's doing and hopefully we'll all get what we want which is for him to be cleared to return to action.

Would you consider moving Joe Thuney to DB if DJ Humphries is healthy?

I would be confident that Joe could do it.

I wonder if he could play 60 minutes at LT and CB.

ROFL

He gon play

Cuz we gon keep winning

Simple as that

Travis Hunter could never

I’m rich, bitch!!

Sure but if I am reading between the lines it is be available for the SB or next season for Watson.

It feels like he’s a “maybe” for the AFFCG and a good possibility if we make the SB.

But at that point do you just roll with what you have for one game or risk a guy coming off an injury that hasn’t played in almost 4 months?

Don’t think they will play him tbh

You'll be able to afford super bowl tickets now!

So here are the facts from what I gather.

1. He got injured on October 20th and it usually takes 12 weeks to recover from a fibia-tibia injury.

2. The initial report from Jeremy Fowler said he had a chance to make it back for a deep playoff run.

3. On November 28th posted himself on IG walking around with normal shoes on and no boot.

4. KC beat guys insisted the Chiefs don't think he'll be back

5. Jaylen posts "never count me out" on his twitter December 3rd

6. Jaylen was back standing on the sidelines during the Chargers game on December 9th

7. In the days ahead pictures came out of him getting treatment in the Chiefs facility. And Jaylen himself posted a pic of him wearing cleats on a field.

8. On the 27th of December the video of him sprinting is released on his IG and word is he's been sprinting for a few weeks

9. Today Andy says he has a chance to return

That's the timeline. The question is if he's been sprinting and moving on his ankle for three weeks then what else is needed to progress? Because if you can sprint then one would imagine cutting and back peddling can't be something that isn't possible now or in due course.

I guess the real sign is if/when a practice window opens. By mid January something will have to give.

We are 6 weeks away from the SB so.......

First off, great post.

Second, my guess is yeah the side to side might be more iffy. But if he's literally sprinting right now I can see that it might be possible for him to be ready for the first playoff game.

I'll start getting excited when I see a full-speed 3-cone.

As of today we are 10 weeks post injury. Divisional game would be 13 weeks post injury.

Good info. And this might be why Andy is being cautious because Jaylen has not hit the full time of recovery yet.

see ya soon huh..

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">2024 was full of ups and downs grateful for it all 2025 will be the best of them all🎢 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/seeyasoon?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#seeyasoon</a></p>&mdash; Wat’s Island🏝 (@JaylenWatson12) <a href="https://twitter.com/JaylenWatson12/status/1874214659894776208?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 31, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

HE GOOD!!!

#imsohardrightnowandwillprobablybecummingsoonbecauseofthisamazingnews

Can't post the clip but just saw Jaylen post himself on IG back peddling and moving side to side at the Chiefs facility. Yet another hurdle cleared ya'll.

he good

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Chiefs?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Chiefs</a> CB Jaylen Watson putting in the work to try and make himself available for a Super Bowl run! ��<br><br>��: Paper.Cups | IG<a href="https://twitter.com/FourGuysInABar?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@FourGuysInABar</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/TalkPrimeTime?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@TalkPrimeTime</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/BowTieSports_18?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BowTieSports_18</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/ChiefsInsider?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ChiefsInsider</a> <a href="https://t.co/PwJ8zm13G3">pic.twitter.com/PwJ8zm13G3</a></p>&mdash; Chiefs Blitz (@ChiefsBlitz) <a href="https://twitter.com/ChiefsBlitz/status/1875022240607314429?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 3, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<iframe src="https://giphy.com/embed/OCu7zWojqFA1W" width="480" height="264" style="" frameBorder="0" class="giphy-embed" allowFullScreen></iframe><p><a href="https://giphy.com/gifs/samuel-l-jackson-jurassic-park-hold-onto-your-butts-OCu7zWojqFA1W">via GIPHY</a></p>

He'd need a game or so back maybe but wow, if we get him back for the SB holy shit

Great work :thumb: .

So now he's sprinting, back peddling, cutting and can move laterally. So what's next on the list ya'll? Just doing these reps day in, day out and strengthening the ankle further? He can clearly move like a CB so what more is needed other than getting his doctor's clearance?

I guess seeing him run and move against a receiver would be another hurdle to jump but that's what would happen when/if his practice window opens.

I think it was Nick Jacobs who said Pacheco was on a similar timeline. At this point a lot is pain management as things fully heal. Some guys can battle through it and some take longer.

I don’t think you count on him in a playoff game especially if it’s his first game back. This is not an easy injury to come back from so quickly at his position.

People can point to Pacheco, sure. He’s not been the same guy since he got back. There’s a reason he’s putting up bad numbers.

Recovery.

How much can he do to the joint without it swelling up so badly he can't walk in it.

That's the final hurdle.

The the line has been bad at run blocking that's why. In his first game back he ripped off a 30 yard run.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Breaking: The <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Chiefs?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Chiefs</a> are designating CB Jaylen Watson to return from IR, and he will practice today, sources tell <a href="https://twitter.com/NFLonFOX?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NFLonFOX</a>. This is a huge boost for Kansas City, who has been without Watson since late October due to a broken fibula.<br><br>He and Trent McDuffie are one of the best CB… <a href="https://t.co/ePRd10X5YG">pic.twitter.com/ePRd10X5YG</a></p>&mdash; Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) <a href="https://twitter.com/Schultz_Report/status/1875197840265281797?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 3, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Our boy is back!!

Yahtzee!

Shit if he's being activated today. He might even play in the AFC Divisional.

I updated the OP and the thread title but the title didn’t take since I’m not a mod

Let’s hope his return is better than Pacheco’s. I’m sure both will be fine in Feb.

I told yaaaaaaaaaaaa

Start working him in. Give him a few drives here and there. Don't overdo it to start. Having him 100 for the AFCCG and SB would be huge.

Also Ill gladly eat my crow now.

This is so awesome. Looks like Twisted gladly loses $100.

TO THE ****ING SHIP!!!!

I'm trying not to get too excited but this is great news.

Jaylen Watson - Returning from IR
 

https://media0.giphy.com/media/3oxHQ...i24M/giphy.gif


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YESSSSS LET'S GO JWAT!!..IF HE'S PRACTICING NOW THEN THE DOCTORS HAVE NO DOUBT CLEARED HIM AND NOW IT'S ON WATSON TO GRIND AND SHOW THE COACH'S HE'S READY. GREAT NEWS.

Amazing! I was hopeful, but I had my doubts that he would be back. We've really missed him out there. What a difference this will make in the playoffs.

We've been speculating about what it would take for the Chiefs to blowtorch their way through an entire postseason.

Hmmm.

(1) #1 seed. Check.
(2) Extra rest for team that had a super-early bye week. Check
(3) Offense getting healthy Marquise Brown back and instantly integrating him. Check.
(4) Xavier Worthy rounding into form at the close of his rookie season. Check (and throw in a bonus for him getting extra rest late to help with the rookie wall). Check.
(5) Defensive line healthy. Linebacking corps healthy. Secondary healthy. Check.

Watson completes the puzzle for #5. Let's go get it.

LET’S GOOOOOO

The next one has to be DJ being healthy and enhancing the O-line/helping the run game. If that and Watson returning happens then we really couldn't ask for more right now. The only shame will be Rice missing.

Wow I really hope they can get him in the game this weekend. Not likely but holy shit

A good point, but it's really just gravy at this stage.

This is enormous. He's a natural to man up on the outside against Amari Cooper in the AFCCG.

And we're going to be facing the Eagles, the Lions or the Vikings in the Super Bowl, and we will absolutely need him for the outside weapons there.

Plus, you can put McDuffie in the slot against Shakir and choke out that weapon, too.

Though I think the matchups we'll actually see in the AFCCG are McDuffie following Flowers and Watson outside against Rashad Bateman...

If Love has a good Favre run to get the Pack to the SB he will be every bit as important against that offense, too.

If at the beginning of the year you told me we'd be healthy and rested for the #1 seed spot in the playoffs with the exception of Rashee Rice and Jack Cochran but we would have added DHop and Skyy Moore was nowhere in sight, I would have fallen to my knees praising the football gods.

I'm not sure it's gravy if you're talking 'buzzsaw mode'

The rushing offense has fallen back a bit and I think Caliendo at RG has a lot to do with that. And the passing game works better when the threat of the run exists. More critically, with our passing game not being as explosive as it was, our ability to stay ahead of the sticks and/or convert short yardage plays, is pretty massive.

If we're talking about winning a championship -- Humphries may not be critical to that.

But if we're talking about playing Baltimore, Buffalo, Detroit, Philly or even Minnesota and having a 4th quarter where we can all breath a little bit, I do think getting Humphries at/near his 2023 level so we can get Thuney back to guard will help a great deal there.

Exactly.

The return of Watson is more important in that it allows McDuffie to play inside more. Especially when paired with Williams seemingly back to where he was most of last season (i.e. prone to mistakes but really good when he has his assignment right).

McDuffie being able to follow Flowers and Shakir in critical situations could be massive. Then you just need to avoid the shot plays and Watson is particularly good at preventing those because of his length.

Color me wrong and ashamed… Forgive me CP.. Excited at the prospect of getting him back..

Gotta see how the ankle responds to multiple days of practice first.

Like I said - recovery is the last critical step.

But honestly, if he goes out there this week and practices 3 days and on the 4th it swells up on him, I just rest him and then use him in the game.

If it's a question of getting the swelling out of it, well that shows up the day AFTER the game, not during. And Watson, if he's nothing, has always been assignment sound. I don't think you need to worry as much about him needing to get back in the flow of the defense -- he's a smart player.

But even having him as an option is enormous and gives teams something to prepare for.

I doubt they risk it. But given the 21-day practice window, he should be a go for the divisional round.

Even if he’s on a pitch count and plays 3rd downs it’s a big boost. And poor Josh Williams can finally be covering WR3’s as well as Roland-Wallace.

But yes you need McDuffie to cover the fast slot guys like Khalil Shakir, Jayden Reed, Zay Flowers and Jordan Addison’s of the world

Ha!

So I read your post and went "This weekend? They have a bye - what the hell are you talking about?"

Man, I just completely forgot that they have another game against Denver.

Nah, I wouldn't play him this week. Andy won't either. He's a 'full week of practice' guy. And besides, if you're going to rest starters, you need as many active 'depth' guys as possible. You can't have him be a gameday active and then only take 10 snaps because that would come at the expense of someone like Taylor being active or a LBer that can absorb some defensive snaps.

Nah, there's no room for pitch counts in a game where you're likely going 45 guys deep in your rotation.

Yeah, that would be best case. I think some of the run game issues are focus/design (not really committing to the run), but getting Thuney back inside would help.

I'm more worried about strong pass-rushing DTs for the playoff run than getting the run game going, but everything else is coming up aces...

Real masterclass, how Veach has put this thing together.

Still rather him rest and play in divisional.

He’s a lot better than Nazi Johnson, even if he’s a bit rusty

LETS ****ING GO, BOYS!

And that also means we can put Nelson in there and have 3 great press corners OMG.