The Kansas City Chiefs host the Houston Texans at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium on Saturday afternoon for the Divisional Round of the playoffs. For Kansas City to win against Houston, the pass defense must be at their A-game and contain star quarterback C.J. Stroud. The last time these two teams faced off, the Chiefs’ defense did an exceptional job containing Stroud in Week 16, as they held him to under 300 yards passing while completing 59% of passes and throwing two interceptions in their 27-19 victory.

The Kansas City Chiefs opened their CB2’s practice window during their regular-season finale

On Friday, January 3, the Chiefs designated Jaylen Watson, who hasn’t played since Week 6 with a fractured tibia and fibula, for return from injured reserve, effectively opening up his 21-day practice window. Watson participated during that practice as a limited participant, but he did not play against the Denver Broncos. However, there was optimism that he would return for the Divisional Round.

The Chiefs activated their key defensive starter in time for Saturday’s clash

Jaylen Watson participated during the week of practice as a full participant, a great sign regarding his availability for Saturday afternoon. The Kansas City Chiefs released the week’s final injury report yesterday, listing Watson as questionable, and all they had to do was activate him so he could return to the lineup. According to Charles Goldman of A to Z Sports, the Chiefs activated their up-and-coming cornerback off injured reserve.

The #Chiefs have officially activated CB Jaylen Watson to the 53-man roster from injured reserve. The team also elevated S Deon Bush and LB Swayze Bozeman from the practice squad via standard elevation. pic.twitter.com/iZKdkdgURx

— Charles Goldman (@goldmctNFL) January 17, 2025

Will he start tomorrow?

According to Jeremy Fowler of ESPN, the expectation is for Jaylen Watson to return to the starting lineup against the Houston Texans. However, as Fowler points out, the Chiefs may monitor his snap counts tomorrow afternoon, and he could possibly be on a pitch count. If he doesn’t get a full workload, Joshua Williams could see some playing time as well.

#Chiefs plan to activate CB Jaylen Watson off IR and play him vs. HOU, per source. Watson fractured his ankle in late October. @ByNateTaylor first on Watson's expected return to starting lineup. Chiefs could monitor snaps depending how he's feeling/playing. But he's a go

— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) January 17, 2025