The Kansas City Chiefs are in the midst of preparing for the AFC Championship Game against the Buffalo Bills this weekend. The game is set for Sunday, Jan. 26, at 6:30 p.m. EDT in Kansas City, marking another faceoff between two of the AFC’s best teams. Injury concerns often dominate storylines leading up to games of this magnitude, but the Chiefs had the privilege of an extended break before their playoff run began. They enter this matchup as they did in the last round, with a healthy roster. This starkly contrasts with earlier in the season when injuries plagued key players for much of their season.
The Chiefs’ strong health status ahead of this critical game bodes well for their Super Bowl aspirations. With a chance to return to the NFL’s biggest stage, the Chiefs are looking to capitalize on this opportunity. Even though everyone on the active roster is healthy, the Chiefs will be without a notable absence in wide receiver Mecole Hardman.
Kansas City Chiefs Injuries vs. Buffalo Bills
The Chiefs’ official injury report this week was released on Wednesday and listed just four names, and not a single person was limited in practice. Quarterback Patrick Mahomes (ankle), left guard Mike Caliendo (shoulder), right tackle Jawaan Taylor (knee), and cornerback Jaylen Watson (ankle) all participated fully. On Thursday, it was more of the same for Kansas City, with no new injuries to report and everyone being a full participate in practice. If nothing unforeseen happens in the next two days, these four players will be a full-go come Sunday.
This relatively clean injury report comes after months of shuffling players on and off injured reserve. Earlier this season, players like wide receiver Marquise “Hollywood” Brown and cornerback Jaylen Watson faced significant injuries that kept them out for extended periods but have since returned. Their recoveries have strengthened the Chiefs’ roster and positioned them for postseason success.
Even with Hardman’s absence, the Chiefs have adapted effectively. Younger players like Nikko Remigio and Xavier Worthy have replaced his contributions as a returner and wide receiver. This adaptability speaks to the team’s depth and ability to thrive despite challenges, particularly in a high-stakes environment like the playoffs.
The Impact of Mecole Hardman’s Absence
Mecole Hardman will not return from injured reserve for Sunday’s game. “We’ll probably put him back on IR,” head coach Andy Reid said of Hardman on Wednesday, the deadline for activating him to the 53-man roster. Head coach Andy Reid confirmed Hardman’s season is over after the team decided not to activate him before the roster deadline. Hardman, who scored the game-winning touchdown in last year’s Super Bowl, has been limited to just 12 catches for 90 yards and one touchdown this season.
Hardman’s presence on the field will certainly be missed despite his limited role this season. His speed, versatility, and overall familiarity with the team have long been assets, but his injury-plagued season allowed others to receive more opportunities and step up into larger roles. Second-year wideout Remigio, for example, has been one of the players who has taken over Hardman’s role on special teams and provided solid production as a returner.
Hardman’s future with the Chiefs remains uncertain as he approaches free agency this offseason. Regardless of his next move, his contributions to Kansas City’s recent Super Bowl victories, including the game-winning play last season, solidify his legacy with the team forever.
Kansas City Chiefs Roster Depth and Super Bowl Hopes
While Hardman’s season has ended, the Chiefs remain well-positioned for a third-straight Super Bowl run. Kansas City’s defense has also benefited from improved health. The defense’s ability to pressure opposing quarterbacks and create turnovers down the stretch of the regular season and now into the playoffs has been a crucial key to the Chiefs’ success. It will be vital against Buffalo’s offense led by Josh Allen.
As the Chiefs prepare for Sunday, their current health and depth give them a slight advantage over a team that is fairly matched across the board. With nearly all starters ready to play, Kansas City has one last hurdle to clear to secure a spot in Super Bowl LVIX.
Final Thoughts
The Kansas City Chiefs enter the AFC Championship Game in a favorable position, with their team basically in full health as they are days away from hosting the Buffalo Bills. While Hardman’s absence is notable, the Chiefs have been able to overcome injuries in all three phases all season, so there shouldn’t be any reason to believe that won’t continue.
With a win this weekend, Kansas City can move one step closer to cementing itself in NFL history. With them meeting the Bills for the second time this season, the only team that could beat them with their starters in the game now has another opportunity.
