The Chiefs opened Week 15 with a banged-up roster and a few notable absences as they hit the practice field, trying to regroup after a tough loss to the Texans.
Wide receiver Hollywood Brown was not in attendance, missing practice due to personal reasons. Brown had just one catch for 35 yards in Sunday’s defeat, but over the course of the season, he’s been a steady contributor with 42 receptions, 494 yards, and five touchdowns. His speed and ability to stretch the field have added another layer to Kansas City’s offensive attack, and any time he’s not available, it changes how defenses approach this unit.
On the offensive line, right tackle Jawaan Taylor remained sidelined. Taylor, who missed the Houston game with triceps and knee issues, is a key piece of the protection puzzle for Patrick Mahomes.
Without him last week, the Chiefs were forced to shuffle the line, and that instability showed at times. Making matters worse, rookie tackle Wanya Morris-who stepped in at left tackle last weekend-was also listed as out.
Morris is expected to miss the rest of the season with a knee injury, leaving Kansas City even thinner up front as they try to keep Mahomes upright and the offense humming.
Defensively, cornerback Trent McDuffie was the only player listed as a limited participant, dealing with a knee issue. McDuffie has been one of the brightest spots in the Chiefs’ secondary this season, so his status will be closely monitored as the week progresses. His ability to lock down receivers and provide support in the run game has made him a cornerstone of Steve Spagnuolo’s defense.
On the positive side, several key players were full participants despite dealing with injuries. That list includes safety Brian Cook (ankle), tight end Noah Gray (shoulder), quarterback Patrick Mahomes (knee), and wide receivers Nikko Remigio (concussion), Rashee Rice (hamstring), and JuJu Smith-Schuster (rib), along with right guard Trey Smith (ankle). Mahomes being a full go is obviously the headline here, but seeing Rice and Smith-Schuster trending in the right direction is a big deal for a receiving corps that’s been searching for consistency.
As the Chiefs look to bounce back and gear up for a critical stretch run, health will be a major storyline. The offensive line depth is being tested, and the wide receiver room continues to shuffle. With playoff positioning on the line, Kansas City’s ability to adapt and stay healthy down the stretch could define how far this team goes.