The Chiefs lost one of their explosive playmakers on Sunday when wide receiver Tyreek Hill left the game early with what was presumed to be a shoulder injury.
Hill was transported to a local Jacksonville hospital following Kansas City’s blowout win over the Jaguars. There, it was determined Hill suffered a sternoclavicular joint injury, which is where the clavicle goes into the sternum.
In a previous statement, the Chiefs said Hill will not undergo surgery but will miss several weeks before he can get back into football shape.
So what now?
The Chiefs are expected to give an update on the progress of Hill’s injury as soon as more information becomes available. As of now, there is still no definitive timetable for how long K.C. will be without him.
However, the Chiefs have plenty of depth that should allow them to continue playing at a high level while he rehabs.
Wide receiver Sammy Watkins had a big game yesterday catching 9 of 11 targets for 198 yards and 3 TDs.
While Hill is gone, look for Watkins to be relied upon as a homerun threat for the Chiefs to utilize. If he can continue to have games as he had against the Jaguars, the Chiefs offense shouldn’t lose a step.
In an interview with Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer, Watkins said he doesn’t think his role will change that much.
“I think we got the same roles,” he said. “The same particular roles. Same for me. I think we got the other guys to step up. We got Mecole Hardman in the second round. We got Demarcus Robinson. We got so many guys that can step up and play that position. I’m not really worried. Do we need 10? Do we need Tyreek? Yes, we do. I don’t think I would’ve scored a couple of touchdowns without him affecting the defense. I think he has an intricate part. We’re gonna have to find a way to win in the next six, seven weeks with him being out,” Watkins explained.
Don’t forget Kansas City has tight end Travis Kelce, who’ll continue to be a reliable target down the middle of the field.
Hill’s absence also means rookie Mecole Hardman might see a bigger role in the coming weeks, as well as Demarcus Robinson. DeAnthony Thomas will also return to the team after serving his one-game suspension.
Kansas City also has a two-headed monster in the backfield with Damien Williams and LeSean McCoy, who both combined for 107 yards and a touchdown on 23 carries yesterday.
Damien Williams was also a factor in the passing game, catching all 6 of his targets for 39 yards.
Having this kind of depth on offense is something that a lot of other teams in the NFL don’t have and the Chiefs are super fortunate because it allows them to continue to play at a high level while also giving Hill the time he needs to get healthy.
Today, the Chiefs will get some much-needed rest before they get ready to travel to Oakland this weekend to play the Raiders in Week 2.
