Inside Look: Kansas City Chiefs Week 16 Injury Report for 2025 NFL Season
The Kansas City Chiefs are navigating a treacherous stretch of the season. Following a physical loss to the Los Angeles Chargers and the placement of quarterback Patrick Mahomes on Injured Reserve, the team faces a quick turnaround before traveling to Nashville to face the Tennessee Titans. The initial injury report released Wednesday was longer than any the team has produced since Thanksgiving, listing seventeen players.
While the sheer volume of names is concerning, the progression from Wednesday to Thursday offers a clearer picture of who might suit up Sunday. We are still awaiting the final game status report on Friday, but the mid-week practice participation provides critical context for a roster being tested by attrition.
The Cornerback Surprise
The most significant development on Thursday involved cornerback Trent McDuffie. After being listed as a non-participant on Wednesday due to a lingering knee issue sustained earlier in December against Houston, McDuffie was spotted on the field for stretching during the open portion of Thursday’s practice.
This is a massive potential swing for defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo. With the defense already operating on thin margins, getting a premier cover corner back into the mix would stabilize the secondary against the Titans. While his official status for the game remains up in the air until Friday’s final designation, his presence on the field Thursday suggests he is fighting to be available. If he cannot go, the Chiefs will lean heavily on Kristian Fulton and Nazeeh Johnson, both of whom were full participants on Wednesday.
Wide Receiver Worries
The news is less encouraging on the offensive side of the ball. The wide receiver room has been decimated by head injuries. Both Rashee Rice and Tyquan Thornton remained sidelined for Thursday’s practice.
Both receivers are currently in the NFL’s concussion protocol following hits taken during the Chargers game. Clearing protocol in a single week is difficult, and missing two consecutive days of practice casts significant doubt on their availability for Sunday. This places an immense burden on the remaining pass catchers.
Fortunately, veteran Marquise “Hollywood” Brown was a full participant on Wednesday after missing time recently for personal reasons. His return is timely. If Rice and Thornton are ruled out, Brown will need to shoulder a heavy load alongside JuJu Smith-Schuster and Nikko Remigio, who were also full participants. Rookie Jalen Royals could also see his first significant targets of the season.
Tackle Troubles Continue
Protecting new starting quarterback Gardner Minshew is a priority, but the offensive line is dealing with its own health crisis. Right tackle Jawaan Taylor (elbow) and swing tackle Jaylon Moore (knee) were both non-participants on Wednesday and remained out of practice on Thursday.
Head coach Andy Reid noted earlier in the week that the team is taking it day by day with Moore, while Taylor’s recovery has been slower than hoped. If neither can play, the Chiefs are looking at a patchwork line in Nashville. Young tackle Chu Godrick has been taking reps and could be forced into action. On a positive note, guard Trey Smith (ankle) was a full participant on Wednesday, providing some stability to the interior line.
Linebacker Depth Tested
Defensively, the absence of Leo Chenal is looming large. The linebacker missed practice on Wednesday with a shoulder injury and did not return to the field on Thursday. Chenal is a physical force in the run game and a key blitzer. Without him, the Chiefs may need to rely on Jeffrey Bassa or other rotational players to fill the void at the second level.
Positive Signs for Practice Returnees
Despite the absences, the injury report contained several bright spots. The team opened the 21-day practice window for tight end Jake Briningstool and cornerback Nazeeh Johnson earlier this week. Both players were full participants on Wednesday.
Their full participation suggests they are physically ready to contribute immediately if activated to the 53-man roster. Additionally, safeties Bryan Cook and Mike Edwards (both dealing with shoulder issues) practiced fully, indicating the back end of the defense should be relatively intact, especially if McDuffie can play. Star defensive tackle Chris Jones was limited on Wednesday with a hamstring issue, but veteran maintenance is common at this stage of the year.
The Titans Health Outlook
Kansas City is not the only team hurting. The Titans listed several key players as non-participants on Wednesday, including wide receiver Van Jefferson (back), linebacker Cedric Gray (concussion) and safety Amani Hooker (illness). Defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons was limited due to rest. The availability of these starters will be clarified as Tennessee releases their practice updates later in the week.
What Comes Next
The Chiefs will hold one final practice on Friday. following that session, the team will release the final injury report with game status designations. This will confirm whether players like Rice, Taylor, and Chenal are officially “Out” or if there is hope for them to be “Questionable.” For now, the return of Trent McDuffie to the practice field offers a glimmer of hope in an otherwise challenging week for Kansas City.
