Chiefs Dealing with Offensive Line Injuries Ahead of Texans Showdown
The Kansas City Chiefs are coming off a narrow 31-28 loss to the Dallas Cowboys on Thanksgiving, and while the scoreboard tells one story, the injury report is telling another - and it’s one head coach Andy Reid and his staff will be watching closely as they prep for a tough “Sunday Night Football” matchup against the Houston Texans.
Reid spoke with reporters Monday and gave a status update that, while light on specifics, made one thing clear: the Chiefs’ offensive line is banged up, and the next few days will be critical in determining who’s available.
Key Starters on the Mend
Right guard Trey Smith missed the Dallas game with an ankle injury, and during the contest, right tackle Jawaan Taylor exited with a triceps issue. But the biggest concern coming out of Thursday was left tackle Josh Simmons, who left the game with a wrist injury and was later seen in a cast and sling.
“Josh is getting a second evaluation on his wrist,” Reid said. “We’ll see what goes from there.” As for Smith and Taylor, Reid noted they’re “improving as they go forward,” but didn’t commit to a timeline for their return.
The Chiefs are hoping for some good news on that front, but they’re also preparing for the possibility that they’ll need to lean on their depth, especially with a Texans defense on deck that’s been one of the league’s stingiest.
Next Men Up: Moore and Morris
When Taylor went down, Jaylon Moore stepped in at right tackle. Wanya Morris took over at left tackle for Simmons.
The results were mixed. According to Pro Football Focus, Moore allowed six pressures on 25 pass-blocking snaps - not ideal, especially with a quarterback like Patrick Mahomes who thrives when given time.
Morris, in a smaller sample size, allowed two pressures over 17 snaps but earned praise from Reid for how he settled in.
“Wanya went in, had a chance to play in the game, and I thought after the first couple plays, he really settled in and did a nice job there,” Reid said. “He’d be one of the potential guys in there.”
If Simmons can’t go - and based on the cast and sling, that seems likely - Moore is expected to get the nod. If Taylor also remains sidelined, Morris would slide in again. And if Smith misses another game at right guard, Mike Caliendo could be in line for his first start of the season.
Texans Defense Looms
This is not the week to be short-handed in the trenches. The Texans come into Sunday night with the NFL’s top scoring defense, allowing just 16.5 points per game. They’re also sixth in team sacks with 34.0, meaning they know how to get after the quarterback - and they do it with a mix of scheme and speed that can overwhelm even healthy offensive lines.
For the Chiefs, protecting Mahomes has always been priority one. But with three starters on the offensive line either sidelined or questionable, that task becomes more complicated. Expect the coaching staff to lean heavily on quick-game concepts, screen passes, and Mahomes’ improvisational magic to keep the offense moving if the line isn’t at full strength.
Other Injuries to Watch
The offensive line isn’t the only unit dealing with injuries. Tight end Noah Gray missed the Dallas game with a concussion, and his status for Sunday is still up in the air. Wide receiver Xavier Worthy continues to play through an ankle injury, and safety Bryan Cook left Thursday’s game with an ankle issue of his own.
Wednesday’s initial injury report will offer more clarity, but for now, the Chiefs are in wait-and-see mode - and they’re doing it with one of the league’s most dangerous defenses waiting for them in prime time.
The margin for error is small, and the stakes are getting higher. December football is here, and the Chiefs are about to find out just how deep their roster really is.