Chiefs Insider Breaks Major Jaylen Watson Injury News Amid Defensive Struggles

The Chiefs' defense fell apart once starting cornerback Jaylen Watson went down with a fractured ankle and unfortunately, it sounds like the team doesn't expect him to return at all this season.

Watson emerged as the top L'Jarius Sneed replacement, surrendering just a 53.3% completion percentage and 75.4 passer rating when targeted in coverage. Without him, Kansas City's secondary has cratered.

According to Pete Sweeney of Arrowhead Pride, the organization aren't anticipating Watson to play again in the 2024-25 campaign.

Chiefs Reportedly Don't Expect CB Jaylen Watson to Return

Watson suggested on social media that he might not miss the year just a few weeks ago. Sadly, Sweeney's reporting indicates Watson's tweet was inaccurate. Perhaps he didn't know at the time, though Friday's news still represents a surprise for Chiefs Kingdom.

Steve Spagnuolo and Andy Reid now face the unenviable task of coaching up other defensive backs to serve as suitable replacements. Nazeeh Johnson, who had a disastrous Week 11 effort against the Bills, Joshua Williams, Chamarri Conner, and possibly Chris Roland-Wallace will all need to step up.

Luckily, the Chiefs have some time to identify the best of the bunch. Neither the Panthers nor the Raiders represent difficult matchups, though the playoffs are an entirely different question altogether.

Chris Jones, George Karlaftis, and the rest of the defensive line need to create enough pressure up front to make things easier for the young secondary. Charles Omenihu won't suit up in Week 12 but should be back in Week 13, significantly helping matters.

Regardless, Watson's confirmed loss is a major injury blow that could have major repercussions once potent passing attacks square off with the two-time defending Super Bowl champions.

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