Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowskiexpects to play in Saturday's AFC divisional showdown with the Chiefs, but what about Kansas City wideout Jeremy Maclin?
Though NFL Media's Jeff Darlington was told that it will be an "uphill battle" for Maclin to play, the seventh-year receiver is officially active for the game. Maclin rested his ankle all week.
Sources told Darlington that it's purely Maclin's ankle -- not his knee -- that continues to give him issues after he suffered a high ankle sprain in last week's wild-card victory over the Texans. NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport reported that Maclin had difficulty walking this week, let alone running.
Losing Maclin would have served as a crushing blow for Kansas City's air attack. He led the team with 1,088 receiving yards and eight touchdowns off a career-high 87 grabs, giving quarterback Alex Smith a reliable downfield option.
Even though he is playing, it's fair to wonder if Maclin's role will expand beyond that of a decoy, pulling cover men away from tight end Travis Kelce.
