The Kansas City Chiefs officially ruled out wide receiver Mecole Hardman (knee) on Friday for the Divisional Round contest on Saturday against the Houston Texans. Hardman remains on Injured Reserve but will not be activated for the team's first game of the playoffs as they seek an unprecedented

Confused about what a free kick is? A Kansas City-area high school football coach discusses kickoffs, safety kicks and other undefended kicks in football.

The Chiefs designated Hardman for return from injured reserve on Jan. 1, but the wide receiver has yet to progress beyond a limited listing on six ensuing Chiefs injury reports. His window in which to get back on the active roster for the first time since Week 13 also is quickly coming to a close.

Cornerback Jaylen Watson is expected to return to action for the Chiefs on Saturday, but wide receiver Mecole Hardman is unlikely to join him in the lineup.

The Kansas City Chiefs have no excuse for a lack of readiness for this moment. The extra bye week and the chance to even rest more starters in Week 18 has given

The Chiefs placed Hardman on injured reserve in December after suffering a knee injury. He has been a versatile weapon for quarterback Patrick Mahomes, catching 12 passes for 90 yards and rushing for 64 yards with a touchdown. He is also the team's primary punt returner, averaging 10.2 yards on 20 returns this season.

The divisional round of the NFL playoffs kicks off when the Kansas City Chiefs begin their quest for a three-peat at home against the Houston Texans on Saturday.

Everything fans need to know to watch the Kansas City #Chiefs’ divisional-round playoff matchup against the Houston #Texans on January 18.

The NFL Divisional round playoffs begin with the Houston Texans at the Kansas City Chiefs Saturday afternoon./