The Kansas City Chiefs are heading into Week 14 with something they haven’t faced in a while: a regular-season game that feels like a must-win. Not a “lock up the No. 1 seed” kind of must-win, but a “keep your playoff hopes alive” kind of must-win.
That’s unfamiliar territory for a team that’s spent the past few years perched comfortably atop the AFC. But after a rocky stretch, the Chiefs now find themselves needing to run the table-and that starts with the Houston Texans coming to town.
The good news? Kansas City is coming off a mini-bye, with 10 days of rest following a brutal stretch of two games in five days.
The bad news? Injuries are piling up, and the margin for error is razor-thin.
Let’s break down where things stand on the injury front and what it means heading into a high-stakes Week 14 matchup.
Josh Simmons, OT - Out with a fractured wrist
Let’s start with the obvious: Josh Simmons isn’t suiting up this week. The rookie tackle is dealing with a fractured wrist and could be out for a while.
That means Jaylon Moore is back in the spotlight on the left side-just like he was during Simmons’ earlier four-game absence. Moore held his own then, but the depth behind him is going to be tested.
Wanya Morris likely stays in his swing tackle role, but keep an eye on Esa Pole. He’s been hovering around the active roster and could be thrust into a bigger role if the Chiefs lose another body up front. With the Texans’ pass rush heating up, the offensive line will need to hold its ground.
Bryan Cook, S - Avoided worst-case scenario, but still questionable
There was a sigh of relief in Kansas City when Bryan Cook avoided a high ankle sprain. But that doesn’t mean he’s a lock to play this week. Cook is the best safety on the roster, and his absence would be felt-especially against a Texans offense that’s been surprisingly explosive.
Last week, the Chiefs leaned on Chamarri Conner, Jaden Hicks, and Mike Edwards, who played over 60% of the snaps. That’s a patchwork group, and it showed. If Cook can’t go, the secondary becomes a serious question mark, especially with Houston’s young receivers capable of stretching the field.
Trey Smith, OL - Still battling a high ankle sprain
Trey Smith is dealing with more than just a high ankle sprain, and even with extra rest, he’s not expected to return this week. That puts Mike Caliendo in the starting lineup again at right guard.
Caliendo has been serviceable, but this isn’t a plug-and-play situation. The Chiefs’ interior line has been inconsistent without Smith’s physical presence, and against a Texans front that can get after the quarterback, the pressure is on. Literally.
Noah Gray, TE - Still in concussion protocol
With Noah Gray still in the concussion protocol, the Chiefs are taking a longer look at Jared Wiley. The rookie tight end saw his first meaningful snaps on Thanksgiving-nine of them, compared to six for veteran Robert Tonyan.
Wiley’s rookie season was mostly wiped out by injury, so the Chiefs are still figuring out what they’ve got in him. If Gray can’t go, Wiley could see an expanded role behind Travis Kelce. It’s a big opportunity for the young tight end to prove he belongs in the rotation.
Jawaan Taylor, OL - Status still up in the air
The offensive line situation gets even more complicated with Jawaan Taylor nursing an elbow injury. If Taylor joins Simmons on the sideline, the Chiefs could be down both starting tackles-never a good scenario, especially against a Texans defense that’s opportunistic and aggressive.
Wanya Morris filled in after Taylor went down against Dallas, and he’d likely get the call again. That would make Esa Pole even more important as the next man up. The Chiefs need stability on the edges, and right now, that’s far from guaranteed.
Christian Roland-Wallace, DB - Could provide key reinforcements
The secondary could get a boost if Christian Roland-Wallace is able to return from a back injury. He’s earned more playing time as the season has gone on, thanks to steady play and growing trust from the coaching staff.
If Roland-Wallace is good to go, it gives the Chiefs more flexibility in the secondary-especially in the slot, where things have been murky. Without him, Chamarri Conner likely continues to see snaps inside, but that’s a spot the Chiefs haven’t really solidified all year.
Bottom line: the Chiefs are walking a tightrope. The Texans are no longer a pushover, and Kansas City’s injury situation makes this game even trickier.
With the playoffs hanging in the balance, the Chiefs need reinforcements-and fast. Every snap, every substitution, every matchup matters now.
Week 14 isn’t just another game. It’s the start of a sprint, and Kansas City can’t afford to stumble.