Inside Look: Kansas City Chiefs Week 17 Injury Report for 2025 NFL Season
The holiday season brings a compressed schedule for the NFL, and the Kansas City Chiefs are feeling the crunch as they prepare for a Christmas Day showdown with the Denver Broncos. With a short week following their fourth straight loss, managing player health still remains paramount. The first two days of the Week 17 injury report have highlighted several concerns for the Chiefs, with key starters missing practice time.
As fans look forward to hopefully unwrapping a potential Chiefs victory on December 25th, the availability of several playmakers remains uncertain. The final verdict will come with Wednesday’s injury report, which will clarify who will suit up and who will be sidelined for this AFC West faceoff.
Several Starters Miss Practice Early in the Week
The most pressing news from the initial reports concerns the secondary and the receiving corps. According to head coach Andy Reid, cornerback Trent McDuffie (knee) and wide receiver Rashee Rice (concussion protocol) did not participate in practice on Monday or Tuesday.
McDuffie has been a cornerstone of the Chiefs’ defense, and his absence would be a significant blow against a Broncos offense looking to get back into the win column. Similarly, Rice is the Chiefs best recevier and navigating the concussion protocol on a short week is always a challenge.
Joining them on the sidelines were wide receiver Tyquan Thornton, also in concussion protocol, and cornerback Jaylen Watson, who is dealing with a groin injury. Wide receiver Nikko Remigio was initially listed as a non-participant on Monday due to a knee issue.
Positive Trends and Practice Returns
Despite the concerning absences, there was some encouraging movement on the injury report between Monday and Tuesday. While Remigio sat out Monday, he returned to full participation on Tuesday, suggesting he should be ready to go for Thursday’s game.
Several other players who were listed on the report practiced fully, easing concerns about their availability. Safeties Mike Edwards and Nazeeh Johnson, both managing shoulder issues, were full participants. Tight ends Noah Gray (shoulder) and Jake Briningstool (hamstring) also practiced without limitations.
On the offensive line, guard Trey Smith (ankle) and tackle Esa Pole (knee) were full participants, which is great news for the protection unit in front of Chris Oladokun. Cornerback Kristian Fulton, listed with both knee and wrist ailments, also managed a full practice, providing some depth in the secondary if McDuffie or Watson cannot go.
Limited Participants and Illness
The report also listed a few players with limited participation. Offensive lineman Jaylon Moore (knee) and defensive tackle Derrick Nnadi (illness) were limited on Monday. While illnesses can be unpredictable, Nnadi’s status will be worth monitoring closely, as his presence in the middle of the defensive line is crucial for stopping the run.
What to Watch for on Wednesday
Because the Chiefs play on Thursday, the practice week is accelerated. Wednesday serves as the final day of preparation and will bring the definitive game status designations (Questionable, Doubtful, or Out).
The biggest storylines to watch will be whether Rice or Thornton can clear concussion protocol in time and if McDuffie can get on the field in any capacity. If they remain non-participants on Wednesday, it is highly unlikely they will play on Christmas. Conversely, if Jaylon Moore or Derrick Nnadi can upgrade to full participation, it would be a positive sign for the Chiefs’ depth in the trenches.
Chiefs Kingdom will have to wait for that final report to know exactly which players will be available, hoping for the gift of a division win.
