Jeremy Maclin’s status in question with high ankle sprain

Maclin had to leave the sidelines on a cart after suffering a right knee injury in Saturday night’s wild-card game at Houston.

After catching a seven-yard pass from Alex Smith, Maclin’s knee buckled as he was brought down by Brian Cushing and Whitney Mercilus.

After the game, the Chiefs would only say that Maclin strained his right knee, but ESPN reported the team feared he had torn his ACL-the same one he tore in 2013 with the Philadelphia Eagles and in 2006 at the University of Missouri.

If Maclin is out against the Patriots, it would be a big blow to the Chiefs’ offense.

What the Chiefs did against the Texans in Houston this past Saturday and what the Patriots did not do against the Dolphins eight days ago is much more relevant when talking about this upcoming divisional showdown in Foxboro.

When the Chiefs lost standout running back Jamaal Charles in Week 5, they were en route to a fourth consecutive loss and in the throes of a five-game skid.

A high ankle sprain is not good for a wideout going deeper into the playoffs, and it’s definitely not good for the Chiefs, considering he’s their No. 1 receiver. “I think we are OK there”.

Head coach Andy Reid has capitalized on a weaker schedule and has his offensive unit showing they can be effective in the playoffs.

“The guys have matured”, Reid said, specifically mentioning Conley and Wilson. Hoyer was showered with boos when he returned to the field following his third interception despite the fact that he entered to just kneel on the ball with the first half almost complete. Now the Chiefs are unsure if they will have him for their next game, and it could be very costly for them. Maclin was still undergoing an MRI and other tests.