Chiefs WR Sammy Watkins 'very optimistic' about playing in Super Bowl

Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Sammy Watkins hasn't played since the 17-14 win over the Atlanta Falcons on Dec. 27 and dealt with a calf injury throughout January. 

However, the 27-year-old told reporters on Tuesday that he believes he's on track to take the field against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Super Bowl LV on Sunday evening. 

"Feeling great," Watkins said of his status, per Adam Teicher of ESPN. "Still working out with the training staff and [athletic trainer Rick Burkholder], just going over everything so I can have a chance and possibly go out there and feel 100% or 95% or 85%, wherever I get at by Sunday. Feeling pretty good, very optimistic. Been having good practices."

Watkins hasn't found the end zone since his team's loss to the Las Vegas Raiders on Oct. 11 and scored only two touchdowns during the regular season. He recorded 37 receptions for 421 yards before he became a spectator.

The Chiefs are heading toward adding multiple offensive players to the active portion of the depth chart by Saturday at 4 p.m. ET. On Monday, Kansas City designated tight end Deon Yelder to return from the injured reserve list. Yelder is a proven run-blocker at the position and tallied seven receptions for 36 yards during the regular season before he suffered a groin injury in Week 17.