As the Kansas City Chiefs gear up for a Christmas night showdown with the Denver Broncos on Thursday Night Football, the Week 17 injury report offers a mixed bag of concerns and potential returns. With kickoff set for 7:15 p.m. Arrowhead Time, both teams are navigating some key injuries that could have a real impact on how this AFC West clash unfolds.
Chiefs Injury Report: Concerns in the Secondary and at Receiver
Let’s start with Kansas City, where a handful of names on the injury list could shape the game plan heading into Thursday.
Rashee Rice and Tyquan Thornton, two wide receivers who have shown flashes in recent weeks, remain in the NFL’s concussion protocol and have yet to practice this week. That’s a tough blow for a Chiefs offense still trying to find consistent rhythm in the passing game. Rice, in particular, has emerged as a reliable target for Patrick Mahomes, and his absence would be felt.
The situation in the secondary isn’t much better. Starting cornerbacks Trent McDuffie (knee) and Jaylen Watson (groin) were both non-participants on Tuesday.
McDuffie has been a rock in the Chiefs' coverage schemes all season, and losing both him and Watson - even for a game - would put serious pressure on Kansas City’s depth at corner. Against a Denver team that’s been more aggressive through the air lately, that’s not ideal.
Nikko Remigio, the wide receiver and kick returner, was added to the injury report Tuesday with a knee issue and did not practice. He had been a full participant earlier, so this is a situation worth monitoring. Special teams and depth at wideout could be affected if he’s unable to go.
There is some good news, though. Jaylon Moore, the swing tackle dealing with a knee injury, was upgraded to full participation on Tuesday. That’s a positive sign for an offensive line that’s been solid but can always use depth, especially in late-season divisional games.
Also trending in the right direction: Derrick Nnadi (illness) was limited in practice but is working his way back, and several key contributors - including Noah Gray (shoulder), Trey Smith (ankle), and Mike Edwards (shoulder) - were full participants.
Two names to keep an eye on are Jake Briningstool and Nazeeh Johnson. Both were full participants in practice but remain on the Reserve/Injured list.
They’ve been designated to return, which means they’re eligible to be activated, but as of now, they’re not on the active roster. It’s a wait-and-see situation, but if either is activated before Thursday, it could provide a late-week boost.
Broncos Injury Report: Key Starters Sidelined
On the other side of the matchup, the Broncos are dealing with some significant injuries of their own.
Four starters - tight end Nate Adkins (knee), wide receiver Pat Bryant (concussion), center Luke Wattenberg (shoulder), and linebacker Dre Greenlaw (hamstring) - all missed Tuesday’s practice. That’s a lot of frontline talent sidelined, and it could affect Denver on both sides of the ball.
Wattenberg’s absence is particularly notable. The center position is critical in any offense, especially against a Chiefs defensive front that likes to bring pressure. If he can’t go, Denver’s protection schemes could be tested early and often.
Greenlaw’s hamstring issue is another concern. He’s a key piece of the Broncos’ linebacker corps, and his availability could be crucial in trying to contain Travis Kelce and the Chiefs’ short-to-intermediate passing game.
There are a few brighter spots for Denver. Justin Strnad, a rotational linebacker who missed Week 16 with a foot injury, was a full participant on Tuesday.
His return would help bolster a linebacker group that’s been stretched thin. Ben Powers, the starting left guard, also practiced in full.
He came off the Reserve/Injured list for limited work last week, and his full participation now suggests he’s nearing full strength.
Rookie linebacker Karene Reid, like Kansas City’s Briningstool and Johnson, has been designated to return from IR and was a full participant Tuesday. He’s not yet activated, but his presence at practice is a good sign for the Broncos’ depth moving forward.
What It All Means
With both teams managing a handful of injuries to key players, depth could be the name of the game on Thursday night. The Chiefs’ secondary is in a precarious spot, and if McDuffie and Watson can’t go, expect Denver to test Kansas City’s backup corners early. On the flip side, the Broncos’ offensive line and linebacker unit are walking a fine line, and any further setbacks could open the door for Kansas City’s defensive playmakers to take over.
It’s late December football - the kind where every snap matters and every healthy player counts. Both teams are fighting for positioning, and with the lights shining bright on Christmas night, the margin for error is razor thin. Keep an eye on those final injury designations - they could swing this game one way or the other.