The Kansas City Chiefs are less than 48 hours away from their Week 17 matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Christmas Day. This game has significant playoff implications as the Chiefs aim to secure the AFC’s top seed. With limited time to prepare on a short week, injuries will play a key role in determining how both teams perform in this week’s game.
The Chiefs released their first official injury report of the week on Sunday. Due to the short week, the report is based on estimations rather than actual practice participation. With several starters listed for Kansas City, here’s a breakdown of this week’s injury report as the team heads on the road to face the Steelers.
Kansas City Chiefs Injuries For Week 17
Kansas City’s injury report heading into Week 17 is extensive. Starting with the four players who did not participate. Defensive Lineman Chris Jones (calf), Left Tackle D.J. Humphries (hamstring), Safety Chamarri Conner (concussion), and Linebacker Jack Cochrane (ankle) would all not have participated if the Chiefs had practiced. Additionally, Cochrane will not play on Wednesday because he fractured his ankle on Saturday against the Texans, and has been placed on injured reserve.
Right Tackle Jawaan Taylor (knee) was the lone player listed as a limited participant, with his status being a good indication that he will likely be ready to go for Wednesday’s game. The Chiefs will closely monitor his progress as they are doing with Humphries to determine which personnel they will roll out for their offensive line.
Then there are the remaining six players on the report who were all estimated to be full participants despite injuries. Quarterback Patrick Mahomes (ankle), Wide Receiver Nikko Remigio (knee), Wide Receiver Xavier Worthy (ankle), Center Creed Humphrey (shoulder), Cornerback Josh Williams (ankle/elbow), and Safety Justin Reid (back) all fall into this category. As of Monday, the report remained basically the same, but Tight End Peyton Hendershot was designated to return to practice from the reserve/injured list and was also a full participant.
Key Injuries To Watch
Even though the Chiefs head into this week with a lengthy injury report, the majority of the players listed will be ready to go come kickoff. However, there are some concerns surrounding Chris Jones. The All-Pro defensive lineman suffered a calf injury in Saturday’s game, and because of it would not have practiced on Sunday and did not practice on Monday either. If he is unable to go this week, his absence would certainly weaken Kansas City’s pass rush and run defense against a physical Steelers offensive front.
Offensive line depth is another pressing issue heading into this game. D.J. Humphries and Jawaan Taylor are both listed with lower-body injuries. Humphries’ hamstring injury has kept him out of practice and the field for the past two weeks while Taylor’s knee injury has kept him limited. Both players’ availabilities will be something to watch over the next few days because Mahomes is still recovering from his high ankle injury.
The loss of Jack Cochrane to a fractured ankle is also another blow to the Chiefs. Cochrane has been one of the more reliable players on special teams and as a rotational defensive player all season long. His absence will force the Chiefs to rely on less experienced players in these areas.
Injury Implications Heading Into Pittsburgh
The Chiefs have been able to navigate injuries considerably well compared to most teams across the NFL. Every player that can or cannot play could be the difference between them having one extra week off or multiple before playing in their first playoff game.
The Chiefs hope to have the chance to rest their starters in Week 18, but with the short turnaround from their last game to this one they might instead have to prioritize resting those whose availability on Wednesday could jeopardize their long-term health for the playoffs.
Kansas City’s offense has had to adjust and adapt with whoever they have on the field, and they will likely have to do it once again this week. With potentially both of their starting tackles out for this game, Pittsburgh’s pass rush could create significant challenges. Quick passes from the Chiefs offense and additional blocking support may be necessary to mitigate pressure on Mahomes.
Defensively, the absence of Jones would make stopping Pittsburgh’s rushing attack far more difficult. The Chiefs fortunately have depth on their defensive line, but no one can make up for the impact Jones has. This means it will have to be an effort by the committee to fill the void he would leave behind.
Final Thoughts
With only a few days remaining before Christmas Day, the Chiefs face an uphill battle in addressing their injury concerns. The condensed schedule leaves little time for rest or recovery, making each practice report even more critical.
Despite these challenges, the Chiefs have an opportunity to secure the AFC’s top seed. A victory over Pittsburgh would not only achieve this goal but also give Kansas City the choice to rest their players in Week 18. However, it will come down to how the game on Wednesday plays out, whether they have this choice or have to play in Week 18 to try and lock up the No. 1 seed in the conference.
