We just might see Jeremy Maclin after all...
Jeremy Maclin down on the field after his ankle sprain on January 9, 2016.
Photo by Scott Halleran of ESPN/Getty Images
Photo by Scott Halleran of ESPN/Getty Images
After an injury to their star wide receiver on Saturday, it looked like the Kansas City Chiefs would be without Jeremy Maclin for the upcoming match-up this Saturday. However, signs are now pointing towards Maclin getting a chance to practice this week and possibly play against the Patriots.
Early reports on KC WR Jeremy Maclin are positive. Andy Reid said "mild" high ankle sprain & Maclin could practice later in the week.
— bob holtzman (@BobHoltzmanESPN) January 12, 2016
According to Rotoworld, Jeremy Maclin has been a huge part of the Chiefs' passing offense. The Pro Bowl wide receiver was responsible for 8 touchdowns, 87 catches and 1,088 receiving yards, just over 33% of the Chiefs' total passing yards. They do what they can to get him the ball all over the field including a few hand-offs through the regular season.
Kansas City has already lost Jamaal Charles this year and relies on a balanced, conservative offense along with a menacing defense that wins the turnover battle. Without Jeremy Maclin, the Chiefs have very few weapons (limited to Travis Kelce, their backfield and Alex Smith's legs) that the Patriots' defense needs to be afraid of.
Even if he is merely a decoy, having Jeremy Maclin on the field gives the Kansas City offense a much-needed playmaker that will probably garner all of Malcolm Butler's attention.