Chiefs Defense Gets Tested Again At A Brutal Time Against Jets

The Kansas City Chiefs face roster challenges as rookies Mansoor Delane and Peter Woods are sidelined for their upcoming clash with the New York Jets.

The Chiefs will head into Sunday’s matchup with the New York Jets short-handed again, with rookie cornerback Mansoor Delane and rookie defensive tackle Peter Woods both ruled out.

Delane’s absence will stretch to a second straight game as he works through a shoulder injury. Chiefs coach Andy Reid said Delane re-aggravated the issue in the Week 7 loss to the Seattle Seahawks.

Delane was on the field for practice last Wednesday, then sat out the final two sessions of the week. He got back to work in a limited capacity this week, but Kansas City still decided to keep him out for Week 8 in Denver.

Woods is also unavailable after suffering a stinger in last week’s loss to the Broncos.

The Chiefs had opened defensive tackle Omarr Norman-Lott’s 21-day practice window last week, and he took part on a limited basis this week. Even so, he will stay sidelined while continuing to recover from the torn ACL he suffered last season.

Delane being out leaves veteran Kristian Fulton in line for another spot start opposite cornerback Nohl Williams. Woods’ absence should mean more snaps for Bryson Eason, whom Kansas City claimed off waivers from the 49ers in late August. Eason originally signed with San Francisco as an undrafted free agent after the 2026 NFL Draft.

On the other side, the Jets are expected to get running back Breece Hall back, but they’ll be missing their top receiver. Garrett Wilson has been ruled out as he remains in the league’s concussion protocol.

“He’s a great player,” Chiefs safety Alohi Gilman said of Wilson. “If you look at a lot of his targets, Geno (Smith), that’s been his guy, rightfully so.

“I don’t know if it makes it harder or easier. I think the challenge stays the same, and we've got to continue to execute and find ways to get everything done.”

Kickoff between the Chiefs and Jets is set for Noon Sunday at Arrowhead Stadium.

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