Inside Look: Kansas City Chiefs Week 18 Injury Report for 2025 NFL Season
The Kansas City Chiefs are limping toward the finish line of the 2025 NFL regular season. Coming off a frustrating 20-13 loss to the Denver Broncos on Christmas Day, the team is preparing for their final contest against the Las Vegas Raiders. However, the latest injury reports from Wednesday and Thursday suggest that fielding a healthy roster for the season finale might be a challenge for head coach Andy Reid.
As the team prepares for Sunday’s game, the injury report has become a focal point, revealing a mix of lingering physical ailments and a wave of illness sweeping through the locker room.
Illness Impacting Key Playmakers
One of the most concerning trends on the Week 18 report is the number of players sidelined by illness. When the initial report dropped on Wednesday, running back Kareem Hunt and wide receiver Xavier Worthy were both listed as non-participants due to illness.
Thursday’s updated report offered no relief on that front. Both Hunt and Worthy remained out of practice, marking two consecutive days without on-field preparation. Their status is now in serious doubt for Sunday, which could leave the Chiefs thin at skill positions.
The situation appeared to worsen on Thursday regarding the team’s health. Long snapper James Winchester, who was a full participant in Wednesday’s practice, was downgraded to a non-participant on Thursday due to illness. It suggests the bug might still be spreading, a variable that could force late roster adjustments before kickoff.
Defensive tackle Derrick Nnadi is also listed with an illness, though his trajectory is more positive. Nnadi was able to log a full practice on both Wednesday and Thursday, indicating he should be available to anchor the defensive line.
Trey Smith and Offensive Line Concerns
Beyond the viral issues, the Chiefs are managing significant wear and tear on the offensive line. Right guard Trey Smith did not practice on Wednesday or Thursday. Smith has been battling ankle issues throughout the 2025 campaign, dealing with both high and low ankle sprains at various points.
His absence from practice this late in the week is a strong indicator that the team is being incredibly cautious, or that the injury is severe enough to keep him out of the finale. Without Smith, the interior protection for the quarterback—and the run blocking for whoever starts in the backfield—takes a considerable hit.
Offensive tackle Jaylon Moore remains limited in practice as he manages a knee injury. Moore was listed as a limited participant on both Wednesday and Thursday, showing consistency but no immediate improvement.
Veteran Rest and Limited Participants
As is typical for Week 18, especially at the end of a grueling season, roster management involves giving key contributors time to recover. Defensive end George Karlaftis and running back Isiah Pacheco were both listed as limited participants on Wednesday and Thursday.
The report designates their limitation as “(NIR) Rest,” signaling that this is likely maintenance rather than a new injury concern. Assuming no setbacks, both should be available to suit up against Las Vegas, though their snap counts could be monitored depending on how the game unfolds.
Positive Signs for Defense and Tight Ends
It isn’t all bad news for Kansas City. Cornerback Kristian Fulton, dealing with both knee and wrist ailments, managed to practice fully on both days. His presence will be vital in the secondary, even against a struggling Raiders passing attack.
Additionally, tight end Jake Briningstool appears to be moving past his hamstring issue. He logged full practices on Wednesday and Thursday, putting him on track to play Sunday.
The Opposition: Las Vegas Raiders
The Chiefs aren’t the only ones dealing with attrition. The Raiders’ report on Thursday showed a downgrade for running back Raheem Mostert, who went from a full participant on Wednesday to a non-participant on Thursday due to knee and ankle injuries. Quarterback Geno Smith also missed both days with an ankle injury, casting doubt on his availability under center.
Looking Ahead to Friday
While the Wednesday and Thursday reports provide a snapshot of the team’s health, the definitive answers will arrive on Friday. The Chiefs will release one final injury report that includes official game status designations—Questionable, Doubtful or Out.
Given the consecutive missed practices for Hunt, Worthy and Smith, Friday’s designation will be telling. If they cannot get on the field for a walkthrough or light session, it is highly unlikely they will travel or dress for the game.
With the Chiefs potentially picking as high as 8th in the 2026 draft depending on Sunday’s results and a Saints win, the outcome of this game carries significant weight for the franchise’s future. For now, all eyes remain on the training room as the team tries to piece together a lineup for one last ride in the 2025 season.
