As the Kansas City Chiefs gear up for a Week 16 road trip to face the Tennessee Titans in Nashville, the midweek injury report paints a picture of a team navigating some key health concerns - and not just the usual bumps and bruises. With kickoff set for noon Arrowhead Time on Sunday, both squads are dealing with a mix of fresh injuries, hopeful returns, and a few lingering issues that could impact how this one plays out.
Chiefs Dealing with New Absences and Potential Returns
Let’s start with the biggest headline: Patrick Mahomes is officially done for the season. The Chiefs placed their franchise quarterback on injured reserve before practice, confirming what fans had feared after the injury news broke. It’s a seismic shift for Kansas City, and while it wasn’t a surprise by the time the official report dropped, the reality of a Mahomes-less offense is now locked in.
But there’s some good news, too. Tight end Jake Briningstool (hamstring) and cornerback Nazeeh Johnson (shoulder) were both designated to return from IR and practiced fully on Wednesday. That opens the door for either - or both - to be activated in the coming weeks, depending on how they look in practice and how the roster shakes out.
The wide receiver room, however, is taking some hits. Rashee Rice and Tyquan Thornton are both in the NFL’s concussion protocol after taking some hard shots in Sunday’s loss to the Chargers. Neither practiced Wednesday, and while head coach Andy Reid didn’t offer a clear timeline, it’s safe to say their status for Sunday is very much in the air.
The offensive line isn’t at full strength either. Jaylon Moore (knee) and Jawaan Taylor (elbow) both sat out Wednesday’s session.
Reid noted that Moore’s hyperextended knee is improving, but the team is still “playing it by ear.” As for Taylor, his recovery isn’t moving as quickly as he’d like, which is something to monitor as the week progresses.
With Mahomes out, protecting the quarterback becomes even more critical - regardless of who’s under center.
On the defensive side, linebacker Leo Chenal (shoulder) and cornerback Trent McDuffie (knee) were also non-participants. McDuffie, in particular, is a key piece in the Chiefs’ secondary, and his status will be worth watching closely as the week continues.
Chris Jones, the anchor of the defensive front, was limited with a hamstring issue. That’s not ideal, but it’s better than a DNP - and any version of Jones on the field is a boost for this defense.
The rest of the report brings a bit more optimism. Eight players were listed with various injuries but practiced in full, including Hollywood Brown, who missed last week’s game for personal reasons. Noah Gray (shoulder), JuJu Smith-Schuster (rib), Trey Smith (ankle), and Bryan Cook (shoulder) were all full participants, signaling that the Chiefs could be getting some key contributors back into rhythm just in time for the stretch run.
Titans Managing Injuries Across the Board
On the other side of the matchup, the Titans are dealing with their own share of injury concerns - particularly among their starters.
Four players didn’t practice Wednesday, including wide receiver Van Jefferson (back), linebacker Cedric Gray (concussion), safety Amani Hooker (illness), and rookie safety Kevin Winston Jr. (groin). That’s a significant chunk of their starting defense and a key target on offense.
Defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons and tight end Chig Okonkwo were both limited - though in Simmons’ case, it was a rest day. Okonkwo’s limited participation was also labeled as rest-related, which likely means the team is being cautious with its veterans late in the season.
Tight end Gunnar Helm (toe) and cornerback Jalyn Armour-Davis (Achilles) were limited as well. Armour-Davis is working his way back from an injury that’s kept him out since Week 12, so his presence on the practice field is a step in the right direction.
Three other players - Bryce Oliver (knee), Ali Gaye (knee), and Oluwafemi Oladejo (fibula) - were designated to return from IR and practiced in a limited capacity. That’s a positive sign for Tennessee’s depth, especially at outside linebacker, where Gaye and Oladejo could provide a spark if they’re cleared for game action.
What It All Means
Both teams are walking the fine line between getting healthy and staying competitive. For the Chiefs, the loss of Mahomes looms large, and the health of their offensive line and receiving corps will be critical in giving the next man up a chance to succeed. The defense, already a strength this season, needs players like McDuffie and Jones on the field to hold the line.
The Titans, meanwhile, are trying to stay afloat in the AFC playoff picture. With several starters banged up and a few key players just returning to practice, their depth will be tested. If Simmons and Hooker are limited or unavailable, it could open the door for Kansas City’s offense - even without Mahomes - to find some rhythm.
We’ll learn more as the week goes on, but for now, both teams are in a holding pattern. Sunday’s game could hinge on who gets healthy - and who doesn’t - between now and kickoff.