The Kansas City Chiefs released their first injury report for Week 13 on Tuesday. With a short turnaround until they host divisional rival Las Vegas Raiders on “Black Friday,” player availability heading into the week is critical as they prepare. Although this game is only a regular season contest, the defending Super Bowl champions understand another victor inches them ever closer to securing their seventh straight AFC West crown, and being as healthy as possible will be vital to accomplishing this.
This week’s report includes some great news for the fans, along with some somber reporting as well. Either way, let’s take a look at what we know so far for Kansas City as they prepare for their matchup against the Raiders.
Inside Look: Kansas City Chiefs Week 13 Injury Report
The Chiefs’ injury list this week includes nine players, marking a noticeable increase just from a week ago. Linebacker Cam Jones (illness) and Kicker Spencer Shrader (hamstring) were the only players who did not practice on Tuesday. Meanwhile, seven others: Defensive Back Chamarri Conner (ankle), Running Back Kareem Hunt (toe), Defensive End Charles Omenihu (knee), Running Back Isiah Pacheco (ankle), Christian Roland-Wallace (ankle), Wide receiver Juju Smith-Schuster (hip), and Offensive Tackle Jawaan Taylor (ankle/knee) were all full participants on Tuesday.
With seven of the nine players on the initial report having participated fully in their first practice of the week, it signals that these players are on track for Friday’s game. However, despite this news, the headliner of the report that cannot be ignored is Shrader’s status. His injury raises valid concerns especially with the Chiefs already being without their No. 1 Kicker Harrison Butker for extended time, and now possibly the same will be said for Shrader as well.
Concerns Surrounding Spencer Shrader’s Injury
Shrader’s hamstring injury could not come at a worse time for the Chiefs. With Harrison Butker currently on injured reserve, the Shrader had to step in quickly to fill a void left behind by Butker’s absence. However, he did just that and stepped up to the moment, every time his number was called. Most recently, his game-winning 31-yard kick against the Panthers last week helped them secure their 10th win of the season.
On the season, Shrader has been a perfect 5-for-5 on his extra points as well, which makes his hamstring injury even more unfortunate for Kansas as they thought they had the perfect replacement for the time being with Butker out. Instead, Shrader is now dealing with an injury that in general is difficult for players to manage, but it is even more worrisome for kickers since their success on the field depends heavily on their lower-body strength which is now in jeopardy for Spencer.
If Shrader is unavailable for Friday’s game, the Chiefs may need their newest addition to their practice squad, Matthew Wright. The veteran kicker has a commendable track record, including brief stints with Kansas City in 2022. Wright’s career numbers—43 of 50 on field goals and 38 of 40 on extra points—suggest he should be another capable replacement if Shrader is unable to go. Although, despite Wright’s readiness, the Chiefs will hope Shrader can recover in time. However, with the reality being the team is on a short week, his Wednesday status will likely determine Kansas City’s special teams kicker decision.
Return of Key Players: Pacheco and Omenihu
While Shrader’s injury is at the forefront of people’s minds from this injury report. There is some good news to take from it as well. Which are Isiah Pacheco and Charles Omenihu. Both players fully participated in practice for the first time since being placed on injury reserve.
Pacheco was the Chiefs’ No. 1 running back heading into the season. An explosive running back, that paired with a more well-rounded and veteran back like Kareem Hunt could provide the Chiefs with the perfect one-two punch. On top of that, his return would also alleviate pressure on quarterback Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs’ passing game, which for much of this season has been inconsistent.
Similarly, Omenihu’s return to the Chiefs’ defensive line has the chance to be a massive addition. Simply for the fact that this defensive front is already one of the best in the league in terms of pressuring quarterbacks, but they have struggled with acquiring sacks. Omenihu a season ago had seven alone, which was good for the third most on this defense His ability to pressure opposing quarterbacks will be a welcome addition to a unit looking to return to form in that department.
Both players’ potential availability could provide Kansas City with a competitive advantage on Friday, but it could be the difference for them down the stretch of the remainder of the regular season and into the playoffs.
Final Thoughts On the Kansas City Chiefs
The Chiefs’ Week 13 injury report is a representation of the highs and lows of their season. Headlined by their rookie kicker, Spencer Shrader whose status for this week is currently uncertain. His availability now leaves their special teams with actual concerns. Even with a capable backup in Matthew Wright, there remains a level of uncertainty, but regarding this only time will tell if Shrader can recover in time or if the Chiefs will have to go with Wright.
On the bright side, Pacheco and Omenihu’s full participation in practice this week means reinforcements are finally on the way for Kansas City. The Chiefs are focused on remaining undefeated in their division this week and keeping pace in the AFC playoff race. With a short week and another lengthy injury report, they will have to adjust and make the best of their situation. The good news is this is something they’ve had to do all season long and the results speak for themselves.
