The Kansas City Chiefs held their mid-week press conference on Wednesday, providing key updates ahead of their matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders. Head Coach Andy Reid, Patrick Mahomes, Wide Receiver Mecole Hardman, and rookie Safety Jaden Hicks all spoke on various topics, including injury updates, the addition of new players, and preparing for the Raiders.
With the Kansas City Chiefs riding a 12-game win streak, much of the focus turned to how they have improved since their last loss, which came against the Raiders. The team discussed the challenges they expect to face this Sunday and emphasized the importance of staying sharp against a divisional rival.
Kansas City Chiefs: Injury Updates and Hopkins Signing
Head Coach Andy Reid began the press conference with updates on key injuries. Defensive Tackle Mike Dana remains out due to his strained pectoral, while Wide Receiver Juju Smith-Schuster will also miss practice with a hamstring issue. “They won’t be out there today,” Reid said, providing no clear timeline for Smith-Schuster’s or Dana’s return.
Reid also addressed questions about the Kansas City Chiefs signing of Wide Receiver DeAndre Hopkins, though he kept his comments brief. “Brett Veach is dealing with all of that. I’m hush on it,” Reid said. He added, “I know nothing,” indicating the process is being completely handled by their General Manager Brett Veach.
When asked about his confidence in the Kansas City Chiefs wide receivers, Reid was clear. “I like the receivers we have. We’ve got guys that can step in and play,” he said. He praised Brett Veach for giving the coaching staff the tools needed to succeed, stating, “These guys, when their opportunities come, they’ve got to take advantage.”
Mahomes on Raiders Loss and Hopkins Integration
Patrick Mahomes reflected on last year’s loss to the Raiders, which was the Kansas City Chiefs’ last defeat before their ongoing win streak. “More than anything, it was just a wake-up call for us,” Mahomes said. He emphasized that the loss motivated the team to take practices more seriously, which ultimately helped them perform better in games. “Since then, the mentality has changed, and we’ve improved every week.”
Mahomes also discussed the integration of DeAndre Hopkins into the offense. “I think the biggest thing is getting him familiar with the playbook,” Mahomes said, noting that the coaching staff does an excellent job of quickly bringing new players up to speed. He added, “It’s just about getting on the same page as quickly as possible.”
Looking ahead to the Raiders game, Mahomes acknowledged the intensity of divisional matchups. “We know we’re going to get their best shot,” he said. “It’s a rivalry, and when you play a team like the Raiders, you’ve got to be ready for a battle.”
Hardman and Hicks On Raider Week
Mecole Hardman, known for his explosive playmaking ability, spoke about the atmosphere surrounding the team this week. “It’s Raider week, so the energy is always high,” Hardman said. He also stated that the game carries extra significance because of the rivalry between the two teams. “There’s definitely more energy added to the week,” he said.
Hardman also talked about his role in helping new players, like Hopkins, adjust to the Kansas City Chiefs’ system. “It’s up to the veterans to show the way,” he said, explaining that players who have been with the team for a while help new arrivals understand the Chiefs’ culture and expectations.
Kansas City Chiefs rookie Safety Jaden Hicks shared his thoughts on facing the Raiders, a team he knows is a significant divisional rival. “We know they beat us last year on Christmas, and we haven’t forgotten,” Hicks said. He acknowledged the importance of learning from the team’s veterans about what Raider week means and how to prepare for such a game.
Final Thoughts
The Kansas City Chiefs enter Sunday’s game against the Raiders with high confidence but know they can’t take their opponent lightly. With key players still dealing with injuries, the Chiefs will look to others, including their newer additions, to step up. As Reid, Mahomes, and the rest of the team prepare for a divisional battle, they remain focused on continuing to build on their success this season and prove that last year’s loss to the Raiders was a turning point, not a trend.
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