The Kansas City Chiefs have lost a key offensive starter for at least a few weeks. Receiver Justin Watson, who leads the team in yards per catch has been diagnosed with a dislocated elbow. He is getting an MRI right now after his X-rays came back negative. This news comes from NFL insider and reporter Ian Rapoport via Twitter.
#Chiefs WR Justin Watson, who leads his team with 21.9 yards per catch, suffered a dislocated elbow last night, sources say. X-Rays were negative and he's getting an MRI now. He's out a few weeks at least, and it could be longer based on the results of the scans.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) October 13, 2023
Justin Watson’s Injury
The Chiefs’ receiver attempted to pull in a deep pass from quarterback Patrick Mahomes late in the fourth quarter. It ended up being slightly out of reach for Watson and caused him to land awkwardly on his arm. He was instantly taken off of the field to seek medical attention and did not return to the action.
The @NFL needs an injury analyst
Justin Watson suffers clear LEFT forearm injury
Herbstreit says injury is to RIGHT
No speculation needed. Just get the correct limb
Kelce (prob) tweaks low sprain but clearly not a “low” ankle mechanism
Herbstreit says “scar tissue”
Huh? https://t.co/D6lvZNnl0O pic.twitter.com/WNqLFfriUz
— Edwin Porras, DPT (@FBInjuryDoc) October 13, 2023
Head coach Andy Reid updated reporters on the situation immediately after the game. He told reporters that they would evaluate Watson’s injury as soon as possible, which ended up being today. Luckily, it is confirmed that he did not break any bones, but will still miss a good chunk of time.
Kansas City Chiefs Hot Start
Justin Watson has been a valuable asset to the Chiefs’ offense this season. He has amounted to 219 receiving yards and has a 21.9 yards per catch which leads the team. He has emerged as one of Mahomes’ favorite targets in 2023, so this loss can seriously hurt their offense.
Kansas City has gotten off to a 5-1 start to the 2023 season which puts them as the best team in the AFC conference. Some believe that the Chiefs look like they have taken a step back offensively, though, as they have been in a lot of tight matchups this year. At the end of the day, even if they are not as proficient on offense, they still have managed to pull off the win in most of these tight games.
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