Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Jaylen Watson made a timely and unexpected return to the lineup for the team’s Divisional round game against the Houston Texans.
Once thought to be done for the season after needing ankle surgery, Watson played 40 snaps (59%) against Houston, then another 52 (71%) against the Buffalo Bills in the AFC Championship.
Despite Nazeeh Johnson starting in both matchups, Watson out-snapped him in each game, and he continues to trend in the right direction.
“We didn’t wanna throw Jalen in the fire after that much time off,” explained defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo on Friday.