The Kansas City Chiefs enter Week 8 riding a 12-game winning streak and standing as the NFL’s last undefeated team. With a 6-0 record, they’re heading on the road to face the struggling Las Vegas Raiders, who sit at 2-5. This game carries extra significance for the Kansas City Chiefs as they not only seek to keep their perfect season alive but also aim to avenge their last loss, which came against the Raiders on Christmas Day last season.
The Kansas City Chiefs also recently acquired Wide Receiver DeAndre Hopkins from the Tennessee Titans, giving Patrick Mahomes a new target to work with. However, injuries remain a concern for Kansas City as several key players appeared on the injury report this week, released after Wednesday’s practice.
Kansas City Chiefs Injuries For Week 8
The Week 8 injury report listed nine players, with Defensive End Mike Danna and Wide Receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster raising the most concern. Danna, dealing with a lingering pectoral strain, has already missed two games and will remain sidelined against the Raiders. Smith-Schuster, struggling with a nagging hamstring injury, is also out for Week 8, joining Danna on the inactive list.
Beyond Danna and Smith-Schuster, the injury report featured seven other names. Running Back Kareem Hunt (hip) was limited on Wednesday, casting doubt on his availability for Sunday. Wide Receiver Mecole Hardman (knee), Defensive Tackle Derrick Nnadi (triceps), Linebacker Leo Chenal (shoulder), Defensive Back Jaden Hicks (ankle), Safety Justin Reid (hand), and Tight End Jared Wiley (illness) were all full participants in practice and are expected to play.
By Thursday, the injury report remained largely the same, with Danna and Smith-Schuster still absent from practice. However, Kareem Hunt’s full participation was an encouraging sign that he is likely to suit up for Sunday’s matchup. The rest of the injured players continue to trend toward playing, barring any setbacks.
Skyy Moore Placed On Injured Reserve
In addition to their crowded injury report from this week, the Kansas City Chiefs made another roster move on Thursday, placing Wide Receiver Skyy Moore on injured reserve due to a core muscle injury. This designation means Moore will miss at least four games and won’t be able to return until Week 12 against the Carolina Panthers. The move came on the heels of Kansas City’s trade of DeAndre Hopkins, providing a much-needed boost to their depleted wide receiver corps.
Skyy Moore, a second-round pick in 2022, has not lived up to expectations. After a quiet rookie season where he recorded 22 receptions for 250 yards, Moore’s sophomore campaign hasn’t shown much improvement. He’s tallied just 21 catches for 244 yards and one touchdown so far, and despite being active in six games this season, he has yet to record a single catch. The addition of Hopkins further clouds Moore’s long-term role with the team.
The Kansas City Chiefs coaching staff is optimistic that Hopkins will be able to quickly integrate into the offense, and being a veteran in the league his presence could provide the stability Kansas City needs as they head into the second half stretch of their season.
Wide Receiver Woes and Offensive Adjustments
The Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver core has been hit hard by injuries this season, particularly following the losses of Marquise “Hollywood” Brown and Rashee Rice. Brown, signed in the offseason to pair with Patrick Mahomes, suffered a season-ending sternoclavicular injury during the preseason. Rice, who had emerged as the Chiefs’ top target early in the season, is also out for the year with a knee injury, forcing the team to find ways to make up for their loss.
Now with Moore and Smith-Schuster sidelined, the remaining receivers—Mecole Hardman, rookie Xavier Worthy, and Justin Watson—will need to step up. Hardman, who has been dealing with a knee injury for the last few weeks, is expected to play this Sunday. Worthy has shown flashes of potential, but his chemistry with Mahomes still needs more time. Then Watson will be counted on to provide stability in the passing game whenever he’s called upon.
Tight Ends Travis Kelce, Noah Gray, Jared Wiley, and even Jody Fortson are all likely to see increased roles in the offense, while the health of Kareem Hunt and the possible return of Clyde Edwards-Helaire will be key for maintaining balance on the offense moving forward. Patrick Mahomes’ ability to elevate those around him as well as always been one of his most special talents on the field, and with the addition of Hopkins, Kansas City still has the weapons needed to maintain its position as the league’s top team.
Final Thoughts
Despite the wave of injuries, the Kansas City Chiefs remain a powerhouse, anchored by their two-time MVP at quarterback and a defense playing at a championship level. The arrival of DeAndre Hopkins provides a timely boost to an offense that has been decimated at wide receiver. His experience and playmaking ability could quickly make him a key contributor as the Kansas City Chiefs navigate the middle of the season.
As the Kansas City Chiefs prepare to face the Raiders, the team’s depth and resilience will be tested once again. However, with Mahomes leading the charge and Hopkins stepping into the fold, the Kansas City Chiefs remain on track with everything still ahead of them. Plus, should Hopkins quickly find his footing, Kansas City could become an even more complete team, a daunting prospect for the rest of the NFL.
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