The Kansas City Chiefs are preparing for its Week 15 matchup against the Cleveland Browns. The game is scheduled for Sunday at 1 p.m. EDT, as the Chiefs head on the road looking to maintain their momentum in the AFC standings.
As part of their weekly routine, Kansas City has released its injury report for Week 15. While this week’s list is not as extensive as last week’s, it still includes some updates on multiple starters.
Kansas City Chiefs Injuries For Week 15
The Chiefs initial report which came out on Wednesday had six players listed. Starting with Offensive Tackle D.J. Humphries was the only player on the report from Wednesday who did not practice due to the hamstring injury he suffered last week against the Chargers. Humphries joined them about two weeks ago now and was only able to play about a half of football for them before this injury, and now his future as their potential starting left tackle comes into question because of this injury.
Next is Kicker Harrison Butker (left knee) and Offensive Tackle Jawaan Taylor (knee) who were both limited participants during Wednesday’s practice. Butker returned to practice this week for the first time since undergoing successful knee surgery, though he remains on injured reserve. As for Taylor, he has been managing his lingering knee injury, after playing through discomfort during last week’s win over the Los Angeles Chargers.
The remaining of the initial report includes Defensive End Charles Omenihu (knee), Guard Trey Smith (illness), and Cornerback Joshua Williams (chest) were all full participants on Wednesday. These three players’ full involvement is a positive sign for their chances of suiting up this Sunday against the Browns. On Thursday the report showed Smith was taken off and a full go in practice. Humphries remained sidelined unable to practice, Taylor was a full participant while Butker remained limited. Then on Friday’s report, Humphries once again did not participate in the Chiefs practice and listed as doubtful for Sunday, while Butker remained limited and is questionable for this weekend. Marquise “Hollywood” Brown was also added to the report as a limited participant after his 21-day designation to return to practice was open, but he is out for Sunday.
Harrison Butker’s Potential Return vs. Browns
One of the more encouraging updates from this week’s injury report is the potential return of Butker to practice. The veteran kicker had been sidelined after knee surgery but has now been designated to return from injured reserve. It remains unclear if he will play on Sunday, as his final game status for Sunday was questionable, but his return to practice this week is a promising sign for the Chiefs moving forward.
The team has had to rely on two other kickers in his absence: Spencer Shrader and currently Matthew Wright. Shrader before being placed on injury reserve with a hamstring injury, when he was in the lineup up was a perfect 5-for-5 for field goal and 9-for-9 on extra point attempts. Wright currently serves as the Chiefs kicker and he has been just as accurate, most recently knocking in a 31-yard field goal which gave the Chiefs the win over the Chargers, but besides that, he is 11-12 on field goals and a perfect 5-for-5.
Both kickers have been more than serviceable in Butker’s absence, however, Butker’s return would still provide much relief for Kansas City as the regular season winds down and the playoffs begin. As of Friday, it is unclear whether Butker will be activated in time for Sunday’s game.
Chiefs Defense Is Getting Healthy
Despite the Chiefs’ struggles as of late on the defensive side of the ball, one thing that has remained a consistent strength for this defense has been their depth. Omenihu has been listed as a full participant so far this week despite still dealing with residual knee soreness.
His return to the Chiefs has been exactly what they needed so moving forward his availability is something that will be crucial for the Chiefs as they will be facing a strong Browns offensive front this weekend.
Then there’s Cornerback Joshua Williams, who exited last Sunday’s game early due to a chest injury. However this week he has been able to practice fully and appears on track to play. Williams has been an important rotational piece in Kansas City’s secondary this season and with their rotations in some much flux right now his health moving ahead will be vital to their chances.
Final Thoughts
The Chiefs’ injury report for Week 15 so far has provided both good news and concerns. While D.J. Humphries’ injury raises some questions about his availability moving forward which also brings up the offensive line depth. There is still Harrison Butker’s potential return as well which could be a game-changer for the Chiefs long-term.
As the playoffs approach, the health of their players remains a top priority for the Chiefs. Sunday’s game against the Browns presents another challenging road test, but Kansas City has shown through the season will be ready to meet the moment.
