The Kansas City Chiefs are just a few days away from their Divisional Round matchup against the Houston Texans at 4:30 p.m. EDT on Saturday, January 18 at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. After securing the AFC’s top seed with a 15-2 record, the Chiefs enter into the playoffs the healthiest they have been all year.
This week the Chiefs’ first injury report was released on Tuesday, and it included 11 players. During the team’s first press conference of the week, Head Coach Andy Reid shared updates on multiple players’ conditions and expectations for this weekend’s game. As of Wednesday, everyone is on track to play on Saturday, but injury situations continue to be monitored closely before kickoff. Full details on each player’s status can be found down below.
Kansas City Chiefs Injuries vs. Houston Texans
Although this week’s Chiefs injury report listed 11 players, the vast majority of them have been full participants in practice. Among the notable names on the report is Defensive Tackle Chris Jones, who missed Week 17 against the Steelers due to a calf injury but appears fully recovered. Jones, addressing his calf injury in his presser on Wednesday, said, “I feel really good,” which bodes well for Kansas City’s defensive front. His return puts the Chiefs’ pass rush back at full strength as they go up against a surging Texans offense.
Wide Receiver Mecole Hardman, however, is listed as the only limited participant on the report due to a knee injury. Hardman’s game status is uncertain, as he is still on the Reserve/Injured list. Then there’s the status of Cornerback Jaylen Watson, who has also returned to practice after successful surgery for his broken fibula-tibia injury. He has shown steady progress since his return and has been listed as a full participant this week. On Tuesday, coach Reid said this about him, “I want to see [how he does] this week, but what I’ve seen so far has been good…He has a chance of playing.”
In addition, Running Back Isiah Pacheco (rib) and Cornerback Trent McDuffie (knee) have both practiced fully this week. Both players are expected to contribute significantly this weekend, particularly McDuffie, whose performance in the secondary has been crucial to the Chiefs’ success this season. The Chiefs’ extended rest after Week 18 appears to have paid off so far.
Offensive Line Adjustments
Kansas City’s offensive line remains the largest area of concern for them heading into the playoffs. The left tackle situation has still not been decided on yet by coach Reid. Jawaan Taylor (knee) and D.J. Humphries (hamstring) are both healthy, with Humphries logging snaps in Week 18. Coach Reid said, “I’m going to rotate them in practice and see how it goes.” While Joe Thuney and Mike Caliendo stepped in, Reid’s comments suggest competition for the starting role remains open, and will likely be so until right before kickoff on Saturday.
The offensive line’s performance has always been critical, but even more so heading into this game against the Texans’ relentless pass rush. Protecting Patrick Mahomes, who has recovered from an ankle sprain, he suffered just over a month ago has to be the top priority for this weekend. This week Mahomes has been listed as a full participant in practice, which means he will be playing at full strength, and his mobility will need to come into play to help his tackles counter Houston’s pass rush.
Additionally, Wide Receiver Nikko Remigio (wrist) and Running Back Carson Steele (hip) were also full participants in practice. While their roles are less prominent, their availability adds depth to Kansas City’s offense. The team’s ability to rotate players effectively could be a decisive factor on Saturday.
Defensive Preparedness
The defense enters this matchup with renewed energy and key contributors returning such as Defensive Back Chamarri Conner (shoulder) and Chris Jones. Conner’s versatility in coverage and Jones’ ability to draw in so much attention from an opposing offensive line will be essential against the Texans’ offense.
McDuffie’s consistent performance throughout the season has also helped to anchor Kansas City’s secondary. With 13 passes defended and two interceptions, his presence on the field provides stability in the defensive backfield. Then with Watson’s potential return, this will only further enhance Kansas City’s defensive depth and effectiveness.
Final Thoughts
The Chiefs’ injury report reflects a team that is largely healthy at the right time and prepared for a Divisional Round playoff game. While Mecole Hardman’s status remains uncertain for Saturday, the overall participation levels from the rest of the roster are encouraging. Key starters like Patrick Mahomes, Chris Jones, and Jaylen Watson are on track to play pivotal roles this weekend.
Kansas City’s depth and strategic rotation of players could be the difference-maker against Houston. With Coach Reid’s leadership and a roster nearing full strength, the Chiefs are poised for a strong opening playoff performance. The focus now shifts to executing their game plan and advancing to their seventh straight AFC Championship.
