The Kansas City Chiefs (8-0) remain one of the NFL’s strongest teams, but Week 10 presents fresh injury concerns that could impact their undefeated record. As they prepare to host the Denver Broncos (5-4), the Chiefs’ roster reveals some notable injuries, including key offensive and defensive players.
The Chiefs have shown the ability to overcome major injuries, as they are still without their top wide receivers and running back heading into the season. Despite this being the case, and in the last two weeks their injury report has included quarterback Patrick Mahomes and running back Kareem Hunt, along with other key players on both sides of the ball the concerns remain on this team’s health moving forward. However, no one should question their readiness when it comes to game day, as the Kansas City Chiefs have shown for 14 straight games.
Kansas City Chiefs Injuries for Week 10
Heading into Week 10, The Chiefs’ injury report listed nine players. Kareem Hunts’ and Patrick Mahomes’ statuses have drawn attention. However, as of now, all signs point to them both being a go come Sunday. Mahomes, who suffered a mild ankle re-injury in Monday night’s victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, has been listed as a full participant this week. Although Mahomes practiced fully, his condition will continue to be monitored closely as game day approaches for the Kansas City Chiefs.
Kareem Hunt’s lingering quad issue kept him limited in practice on Wednesday, but he was upgraded to a full participant on Thursday. His injury designation has persisted over recent weeks, following a 27-carry performance featuring a game-winning touchdown in overtime. Hunt’s workload against Denver could be limited, leaving more responsibilities to other running backs.
Defensive tackle Tershawn Wharton and wide receiver Juju Smith-Schuster were among the players who didn’t participate in Wednesday or Thursday’s practice. Wharton’s knee injury and Smith-Schuster’s hamstring issue have kept them sidelined, putting their availability for Sunday’s game in doubt. Then on Friday head coach Andy Reid let reporters know that Smith-Schuster will be on the player out for this weekend’s game, as he’s still dealing with his hamstring injury.
Offensive Injuries Impacting the Chiefs
Wide receiver injuries have been a constant challenge for the Kansas City Chiefs this season. With Brown, Rice, Smith-Schuster, and Skyy Moore all dealing with injuries at the moment their absence has limited the Chiefs’ offensive output.
Mecole Hardman is another key wide receiver, and the only other offensive player on this week’s injury report. for the Kansas City Chiefs He is currently dealing with both shoulder and knee issues, although he participated in a limited capacity in Wednesday and Thursday’s practice.
Hardman’s involvement in Sunday’s game could be a game-changer, as was shown in his last performance against the Bucs where he had a 30-yard punt return and timely catches on offense which allowed the Kansas City Chiefs offense to be put into scoring positions.
Hardman’s ability to be a threat on special teams, and as a gadget type of receiver, has alleviated much of the receiving responsibilities off guys like Xavier Worthy who is only a rookie, and even Deandre Hopkins who is only in his third week with the Kansas City Chiefs.
Defensive Updates and Player Status
Defensively, Kansas City’s defensive line has also been hit with injuries. Defensive end Mike Danna, who has been out the last few weeks, dealing with a pectoral injury, has been a full participant in practice this week. His return to the defensive line is only going to be a positive, considering the new addition the team just made with Joshua Uche, on top of their recent resurgence in getting to the quarterback. This group seems to finally start getting healthy as we enter into the second half of the season.
Defensive end George Karlaftis, was also listed with an abdomen injury, and was limited in practice on Wednesday was also upgraded to a full participant on Thursday and is on track to play this Sunday. The Kansas City Chiefs also had defensive tackle Derrick Nnadi on this week’s injury report with a triceps injury but he was also a full participant and is on track for Sunday. The Chiefs’ defensive line is heading toward being as complete as they have been since the start of the season. This is great news for the Chiefs as a whole, but means it’s going to be a very long day for the Broncos offensive front.
Lastly, on the defensive side of things is safety Nazeeh Johnson, who has been dealing with a concussion, and missed the game against the Bucs. He has also been a full participant in practice, so far this week. Johnson is on track to return as well, but his health will continue to be monitored moving forward. Johnson’s return is going to provide a boost for the Chiefs’ secondary, especially since they are without their No. 2 cornerback, Jaylen Watson for the remainder of the season.
Final Thoughts on the Kansas City Chiefs
The Kansas City Chief’s extensive injury list once again shows the extent of the physical demands an NFL season has. Even so, the Chiefs continue moving forward, not skipping a beat no matter who is in the lineup. Although they have managed to navigate injuries successfully, their roster having significant depth has been their real key to success and will continue being so as they face the Broncos this week.
As Sunday’s game nears, the Kansas City Chiefs will have to work through their injury-related gaps, but as things currently stand everyone besides Smith-Schuster is on track to being active for the game this Sunday, and maintaining their health moving forward will be essential for the Chiefs as they head into the second half of the season.
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