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The Kansas City Chiefs need to buy some avocado ice cream for wide receiver Jeremy Maclin, who did not participate in Tuesday's practice. Maclin is the Chiefs' leading receiver and is a likely necessary component if Kansas City is going to have a real shot at winning on Saturday.
Maclin is recovering from an ankle sprain that could severely limit his impact against the Patriots. New England safety Devin McCourty suffered a sprained ankle in week 14 against the Texans and managed to practice in a limited capacity the Friday before week 15's game against the Titans. He didn't play until week 17 against the Dolphins and it was evident that he couldn't fully plant and change direction.
If Maclin is unavailable for the Chiefs, or is severely limited, then the Kansas City offense will consist of tight end Travis Kelce, wide receiver Albert Wilson, and running backs Charcandrick West and Spencer Ware.
The Patriots could pair Patrick Chung and a linebacker in coverage of Kelce, while letting cornerback Malcolm Butler blanket Wilson the entire game. The rest of the defense could focus on ensuring the Chiefs strong running game doesn't generate any momentum.
Maclin still has a shot to play, but it's extremely unlikely that he will be able to perform at his full capacity.