Eric Bieniemy weighs in on what the Chiefs miss in Sammy Watkins

We told you earlier this week Andy Reid had an injury update on wide receiver Sammy Watkins, who has been battling a foot injury since Week 9.

Reid said Watkins had been in a cast but is making progress.

Watkins is an interesting player, given the fact that many believe his value comes from what he does away from the football, while others feel that you could reasonably expect better production from the sixth-highest-paid wide receiver in the NFL.

Either way, the fact is Watkins cannot do either when he is hurt, and the Chiefs miss him.

Chiefs offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy weighed in on Thursday.

“You think about it, if you think about Sammy’s career, Sammy has provided a lot,” he said. “He’s done a lot and achieved a lot. One thing that you are missing is Sammy can swing coverage to a different way. He may attract an over the top safety. Or he may attract a nickel that is trying to cover him as well. Those are the things that he brings to the table. But on top of, these guys are doing an outstanding job of stepping up. Obviously, we miss Sammy. We want Sammy back. These guys understand, you know what, when they are called upon to do their job this is their opportunity. Maximize it and make it happen.”

With Watkins being held out of practice once again this week, it is fair to assume he will sit for Week 17 against the Oakland Raiders.

That means year one of the Watkins experiment will finish like this: 10 games, 40 catches, 519 yards and three touchdowns.