The Kansas City Chiefs head into Week 16 on a short week as they prepare to face the Houston Texans this Saturday. Riding a four-game win streak heading into this matchup and coming off their best defensive performance of the season, the Chiefs are on an upward trajectory as the regular season winds down. The team held its first practice of the week on Tuesday, offering a glimpse into what injuries they’re managing ahead of this weekend. Below is the breakdown of what we know from this week’s injury report.
Kansas City Chiefs Injuries for Week 16
The Chiefs’ injury report listed seven players, with safety Chamarri Conner (concussion) and offensive tackle D. J. Humphries (hamstring) at the top of the list, both listed as not participating during Tuesday’s practice. Then, on Wednesday, both players’ statuses remained consistent, which points to them both likely being out this week against Houston with only one day of practice left for the team.
As for the rest of the report, wide receiver Hollywood Brown (shoulder), center Creed Humphrey (ankle), kicker Harrison Butker (left knee), quarterback Patrick Mahomes (ankle), and offensive tackle Jawaan Taylor (knee) so far this week have all been full participants in the Chiefs practice for this week. As things currently stand, these five players appear to be on track to play on Saturday against the Houston Texans.
Kansas City Chiefs Offensive Player Updates
Patrick Mahomes’ high ankle injury has been a major storyline after his fourth-quarter exit against the Browns on Sunday. Despite this, Mahomes has been a full participant in practice this week, and according to reports, he will attempt to play Saturday against the Texans. While he won’t be 100%, he believes he’ll suit up unless additional setbacks occur this week.
During Tuesday’s Chiefs’ first team press conference of the week, Mahomes compared this injury to his 2022 postseason high-ankle sprain against Jacksonville. He noted that this one certainly feels less severe, and if he had to go back into the game against the Browns, he definitely could have. Mahomes was adamant about being committed to playing this weekend. He wouldn’t hold his team back if he felt he could perform stronger.
In other major news surrounding the Chiefs, their off-season wide receiver signee, Hollywood Brown, is also on track to play in his season debut this Saturday. He has been a full participant in practice and received medical clearance. His injury didn’t involve his legs, so he’s been able to maintain conditioning and stay active, similar to Mahomes. Brown should play this week if there are no unforeseen setbacks in the next two days.
Kansas City Chiefs Defensive and Special Teams Updates
It appears the Chiefs’ defense will be without Chamarri Conner this week, as signs point to him being unable to clear the concussion protocol in time. Conner has been a key contributor to the Chiefs’ defense, and losing him will definitely be felt in Kansas City’s secondary depth. However, defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo has instilled in his players a next-man-up mentality.
No matter who has been on the field for the Kansas City Chiefs, they have made it work. On special teams, Harrison Butker is dealing with a left knee injury, but he has not been limited in any way so far this week. Butker returned from injured reserve on Sunday against Cleveland but continues to be monitored as he reintegrates into the lineup. His full participation in practice this week will be a full-go come Saturday.
Final Thoughts on the Kansas City Chiefs
The Kansas City Chiefs’ injury report this week brings promising news. Patrick Mahomes’ and Holly Brown’s recoveries are going well. However, with Humphries and Conner both on track to miss this week’s game, the Chiefs will again have to reorganize their personnel and rely on their depth to step up. Saturday’s game against the Texans is important because if they can come out with a win, they will only need to lock up one more victory before securing the No. 1 seed.
However, many people have been asking whether the Chiefs should sacrifice this game to give Mahomes more rest or just let him go and hope he can stay upright against a formidable Texans defense. As of Wednesday, we might already know what route they will go with how the injury report currently appears and how reporting has been indicated. However, two more days before it’s gameday remain to see which direction the Chiefs plan.
