The Kansas City Chiefs and Jeremy Maclin got some great news Sunday when an MRI confirmed the receiver did not tear his ACL. Instead, he is dealing with a high ankle sprain that has his status for Saturday’s AFC divisional matchup against the New England Patriots up in the air, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN.
MRI showed Chiefs WR Jeremy Maclin did NOT tear his ACL, per source. He did suffer a high ankle sprain. Status for Saturday at NE uncertain.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) January 10, 2016
While it would be difficult to enter Saturday’s game without Maclin, this is a huge relief for Maclin and the Chiefs.
The receiver has already come back from two ACL injuries in his career, and even if he isn’t able to play this upcoming weekend he might be available in the AFC Championship Game if the Chiefs were to beat the Pats.
Should Maclin be able to suit up for the divisional round, nobody should expect him to be as explosive as he has been this year for the Chiefs, playing on that sore ankle. High ankle sprains are notoriously difficult to play through.
This means that regardless of his status for Saturday’s game, the Chiefs will have to rely on the running game and young receivers Albert Wilson and Chris Conley more than they have this season. Of course, tight end Travis Kelce is always a huge threat to make an impact, but he’ll be heavily guarded by New England.
As if it weren’t already difficult enough to beat New England at Gillette Stadium. The Chiefs certainly have their work cut out for them.