The Kansas City Chiefs are heading into Week 16 with a roster that’s been hit hard by injuries-and that’s putting it mildly. With Patrick Mahomes already sidelined by a torn ACL, the team announced Friday that nine more players will be out for Sunday’s matchup against the Tennessee Titans.
Among the biggest names joining Mahomes on the inactive list: wide receiver Rashee Rice and cornerback Trent McDuffie. That’s a serious blow on both sides of the ball.
Let’s start with the offense. With Rice out, the Chiefs lose their most productive wideout in recent weeks-a reliable target who had been building strong chemistry with Mahomes before the injury.
Now, backup quarterback Gardner Minshew II is left to navigate a depleted receiving corps that’s missing key playmakers. Tyquan Thornton is also out, further thinning the options.
That puts even more pressure on JuJu Smith-Schuster, Hollywood Brown, and Travis Kelce to carry the load. Rookie Xavier Worthy will likely see increased snaps, and keep an eye on Nikko Remigio and Jalen Royals-two young receivers who could be thrown into the fire with little warning.
The offensive line situation isn’t much better. With Jaylon Moore ruled out, the Chiefs are now down to their fourth-string left tackle.
That job currently falls to undrafted rookie Esa Pole, who’s been thrust into a starting role due to injuries to Josh Simmons and Wanya Morris-both of whom are on injured reserve. Protection up front was already a concern with Mahomes out; now, it’s a full-blown question mark.
Defensively, the Chiefs are in just as tough a spot. McDuffie is more than just their top corner-he’s the anchor of the secondary and one of the team’s most consistent tacklers.
Replacing him won’t be easy. Rookie Nohl Williams is expected to step in, but asking a young player to fill McDuffie’s shoes against a Titans offense that can still push the ball downfield is a tall order.
Linebacker Leo Chenal is also out, and that’s another significant hit. Chenal ranks sixth on the team in tackles and brings a physical presence to the second level of the defense.
Jack Cochrane and Jeffrey Bassa are next up in the rotation, but neither offers the same level of production or experience. The Chiefs will need to get creative to cover the gaps.
On the defensive line, Derrick Nnadi’s absence means veteran Jerry Tillery will likely get the nod. The good news?
Chris Jones was removed from the injury report, so the Chiefs’ defensive centerpiece will be available. That’s a much-needed boost for a front seven that’s suddenly short on depth.
All told, Kansas City will be missing nine players this weekend-and that’s on top of already having their franchise quarterback out for the season. It’s a brutal stretch for a team that’s used to contending deep into December. With so many starters sidelined, this Week 16 game will be a major test of the Chiefs’ depth, coaching, and resilience.
If the Chiefs can find a way to gut this one out, it’ll speak volumes about the culture Andy Reid has built. But make no mistake: this is one of the most undermanned versions of Kansas City we’ve seen in years.