The Chiefs could see the return of one of their top offensive weapons this week, as Adam Schefter of ESPN.com (Twitter link) reports Kansas City is “optimistic” that wide receiver Jeremy Maclin will be ready to play on Thursday night against the Raiders. Maclin, who has missed the past four games with a groin injury, has been a full practice participant in each of the past two days.
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Kansas City fared well during Maclin’s quarter-season absence, posting a 3-1 record with impressive wins coming over the Panthers, Broncos, and Falcons. On Thursday night, however, the Chiefs will face their most important game to date, as they’ll go up against the division rival Raiders, who are currently leading the AFC West with a 10-2 mark. A Kansas City victory would give the Chiefs the division lead, as though both clubs would have the same record, KC would have won both head-to-head matchups and thus own the tiebreaker.
Upon his return, Maclin will rejoin a Chiefs’ receiving corps that includes recent breakout star Tyreek Hill, Chris Conley, Albert Wilson, De’Anthony Thomas, and Demarcus Robinson. In eight games this season, Maclin has registered 30 receptions for 376 yards and two touchdowns.