The Chiefs are heading into Week 14 with a reshuffled offensive line-and that’s putting it lightly.
Already down starting left tackle Josh Simmons, who was placed on injured reserve earlier this week after wrist surgery, Kansas City is now likely to be without both starters on the right side of the line as well. Right guard Trey Smith and right tackle Jawaan Taylor are officially listed as doubtful for Sunday’s matchup against the Texans, and neither practiced all week. While Andy Reid left the door slightly ajar during his Friday press conference, saying the team was still evaluating their availability, history tells us that players tagged as doubtful rarely suit up.
That means the Chiefs could be rolling into Houston with three backup linemen protecting Patrick Mahomes-a scenario that puts even more pressure on a unit that’s been under the microscope lately.
If Taylor can’t go, Reid has already mapped out the contingency plan: Wanya Morris will man the left side, as he did last week, and Jaylon Moore is expected to slide in at right tackle. Mike Caliendo, who filled in at right guard last week, is likely to get the nod again in Smith’s absence.
It’s a big test for a group that’s still trying to find its rhythm deep into the season. Mahomes has been his usual magician self, but even he needs time in the pocket-and with a Texans defense that’s been opportunistic all year, the pressure is on to keep No. 15 upright.
The injury news doesn’t stop on the offensive line. Rookie cornerback Chris Roland-Wallace has been ruled out with a back injury after missing the entire week of practice. Wide receiver Nikko Remigio, who was limited on Friday after logging full practices on Wednesday and Thursday, has also been ruled out with a shoulder issue.
But it’s not all bad news for Kansas City. The team is getting a key group of contributors back just in time for the stretch run. Quarterback Patrick Mahomes (knee), safety Bryan Cook (ankle), tight end Noah Gray (concussion/shoulder), safety Jaden Hicks (shoulder), defensive end George Karlaftis (thumb), running back Isiah Pacheco (knee), and wide receiver Rashee Rice (hamstring) are all off the injury report and good to go.
That’s a significant boost-especially with Pacheco and Rice, two young playmakers who’ve become increasingly vital to the offense. And with Karlaftis cleared, the defensive front gets back one of its most disruptive forces.
Still, all eyes will be on the trenches this Sunday. With a patchwork offensive line and a hungry Texans defense on the other side, the Chiefs will need to lean on Mahomes’ escapability, Reid’s play-calling creativity, and maybe a little bit of that December magic they’ve been known for.