Jeremy Maclin Injury: Updates on Chiefs WR's Hip and Return

Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Jeremy Maclin is dealing with a hip injury, and it is uncertain if he will be active for the wild-card matchup against the Houston Texans.

Continue for updates.

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Maclin Active vs. Texans

Saturday, Jan. 9

The team announced Maclin will play in Saturday's game, per BJ Kissel of Chiefs.com.

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Latest on Maclin's Practice Status

Thursday, Jan. 7

The team announced Maclin was a full participant in Thursday's session.

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Maclin Adds Playmaking Ability to Chiefs Offense

Maclin is the clear No. 1 receiving option in Kansas City, which has only tight end Travis Kelce to turn to as a legitimate, explosive playmaker in the passing game.

Chiefs quarterback Alex Smith has limited arm talent and can't push the ball downfield as well as most starters can. This puts a cap on Maclin's upside and also allows defenses to stuff the box, particularly with stud running back Jamaal Charles out with a torn ACL.

As nightmarish of a matchup as Kelce is, Kansas City badly needs someone else in the receiving corps to step up if it wants to have a chance at a deep playoff run. The options include gifted rookie Chris Conley, the typical starter opposite Maclin in Albert Wilson and veteran Jason Avant.

It's not exactly a promising group of wideouts beyond Maclin. The Chiefs have won 10 straight games entering Saturday's road trip to Houston, though, and their top playmaker's presence will be vital to any hopes of victory.