KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Cornerback Jaylen Watson will play for the Chiefs in Week 7 against the Chargers despite suffering a thigh injury in practice Friday, while defensive end Charles Omenihu and wide receiver Mecole Hardman will each see action in their return to the Kansas City roster.
Watson was listed as questionable after leaving practice early Friday after taking a hit to his tight. The Chiefs will have nine defensive backs active Sunday with all five cornerbacks and four safeties taking the field.
Wide receiver Justin Watson was already ruled out due to the elbow injury he suffered last week against Denver. The team’s complete list of inactive includes:
- WR Justin Watson
- C/G Mike Caliendo
- DE BJ Thompson
- DE Malik Herring
- DT Neil Farrell
Omenihu will return for his regular-season debut with the Chiefs after serving a six-game suspension for a violation of the league’s personal conduct policy. He returned to the team’s facility full-time last Oct. 13 upon the conclusion of his suspension and had a full week of practice heading into this week’s action. How much the Chiefs choose to use Omenihu remains unclear, but it wouldn’t be a surprise to see him coming in as a rotational piece behind starters George Karlaftis and Mike Danna and on passing downs.
Hardman arrived in Kansas City midweek following his trade from the New York Jets back to the Chiefs and was a full participant in practices Thursday and Friday. He’s expected to play at least a handful of snaps against the Chargers and could play role on special teams as a return specialist.
The Chiefs will be playing a new option as their return specialist. Receiver Montrell Washington filled that role during the past four games but the club placed him on waivers to make room for Hardman. He returned to the team’s practice squad but was not elevated for today’s game. Hardman and Kadarius Toney took turns receiving punts during warmups while rookie Rashee Rice joined them for kickoff duty.
Chargers safety Derwin James Jr. was questionable entering the game with an ankle injury but he will play. Fellow starting safety Alohi Gilman will not play due to a toe injury. Here’s the complete inactive list for the Chargers:
- S Alohi Gilman
- CB Deane Leonard
- RB Elijah Dotson
- TE Tre’ McKitty
- OG Zack Bailey
- DT Christopher Hinton
- S Mark Webb Jr.
