The Kansas City Chiefs are set to kick off against the Houston Texans in just under 48 hours with a berth in the AFC title game on the line.

As the game draws near, star quarterback Patrick Mahomes made it clear he’ll be leaning on star tight end Travis Kelce in the playoffs like he always does.

“I think just the greats, they step up in the playoffs, it’s just higher intensity and on the best players, and the best leaders step up and make the best plays, and he’s done that,” Mahomes told reporters earlier this week. “I expect the same from him going into this playoffs, and I think his mentality that he steps into the football field with at practice and on game day resonates with the entire team and gets everybody to play their best football, and that’s what it takes in order to win championships.”

While Mahomes knows he can rely on Kelce, he likely won’t be able to do the same with wide receiver Mecole Hardman. The talented wide receiver is coming off the a long stint on the injured reserve with the hopes of helping his team in crunch time.

However, after suffering through a string of limited practices, the Chiefs announced that Hardman is doubtful for the game this weekend. “Jaylen Watson is questionable for our Divisional Round game against the Texans. Mecole Hardman is doubtful,” the team revealed.

Jaylen Watson is questionable for our Divisional Round game against the Texans.

Jaylen Watson is questionable for our Divisional Round game against the Texans.

Mecole Hardman is doubtful.

— Kansas City Chiefs (@Chiefs) January 16, 2025

Hardman caught 12 passes for 90 yards and took five carries for 64 yards with a TD in 2024. He also averaged 10.2 yards on 20 punt returns and 26.4 yards on five kick returns.

Houston and Kansas City kick off at 4:30 p.m. EST on Saturday afternoon.