Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Jaylen Watson injured his ankle during the Chiefs’ 28-18 win over the San Francisco 49ers in Week 7. Watson exited the game and never returned after being listed as questionable to return to action.
After the game, Chiefs head coach Andy Reid was pessimistic about Watson’s injury outlook.
“We’ll see what the MRI says, but I don’t think that’s going to be great news,” Reid said of Watson’s injury, via Joshua Brisco of Kansas City Chiefs on SI.
The Athletic’s Nate Taylor noted on X, formerly Twitter, that Watson was “on crutches with his left ankle & foot in a cast,” after the game at Levi’s Stadium.
Watson, 26, was fifth among Chiefs defenders in snaps played heading into Week 7 (347), according to PFF.
Chiefs Remain Undefeated With Win Over 49ers
The Chiefs improved to 6-0 with a win over the 49ers, who fell to 3-3 with the loss.
Kansas City’s offense didn’t do too much through the air, but they didn’t need to. Despite quarterback Patrick Mahomes throwing for just 154 yards and two interceptions, the two-time defending Super Bowl champions rushed for 154 yards and four touchdowns, which helped them win the time of possession (35 minutes to 24 minutes for San Francisco) and get a 28-point win over the 49ers.
As for the Chiefs’ defense, the unit forced three turnovers — all of which were interceptions thrown by quarterback Brock Purdy — and allowed San Francisco to convert on just 2-of-11 third downs. The 49ers run game — which was averaging 5.0 yards per carry (YPC) heading into this game — averaged 4.2 YPC against Kansas City.
San Francisco running back Jordan Mason, who was second in the NFL in rushing heading into Week 7 with 609 yards, had 58 yards on 14 carries against the Chiefs, am average of 4.1 YPC.
X Users Reacted to Jaylen Watson Injury Update
Users on X reacted to Reid’s postgame injury update on Watson.
“Losing Jaylen Watson would be a really, really big deal,” Brisco wrote. “This defense has thrived with continuity, and I’m not sure if the other guys can provide that level of stability and consistency. Hoping it’s less than season-ending.”
“Unfortunately injuries will derail us. Almost no WR’s left and now Jaylen Watson most likely gone, and we don’t have another corner on his level to complement [Trent] Mcduffie,” another person wrote.
“I hope Jaylen Watson’s injury is not too serious because we’re going to need him,” another person wrote. “Nazeeh Johnson needs these reps and I’m honestly fine with him getting burnt and giving up big plays because this is his first year starting off an injury. He needs to play better but I have faith.”
“Second best corner on the team just went out,” another person wrote. “I guess we’ll live with Nazeeh Johnson getting blasted on defense while the offense struggles to pass the ball. Nice.”
” That’s a blow, no doubt. Offense is banged up enough as it is, we don’t need the defense catching the injury bug too,” another person wrote.
“Only bad thing to come out of the game. Not a good sign for Jaylen Watson. Sucks because he was balling out as CB2 this season. Praying for a speedy recovery,” another person wrote.
