Chiefs vs. Chargers Week 15 Injury Report: Key Starters Banged Up on Both Sides
As the Kansas City Chiefs prepare to host the Los Angeles Chargers this Sunday at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium, both teams are navigating a growing list of injuries that could impact how this AFC West showdown plays out.
Let’s break down where things stand heading into the weekend.
Chiefs Injury Report: Offensive Line Depth Under Pressure
One of the biggest concerns for Kansas City right now is along the offensive line. Starting right tackle Jawaan Taylor continues to miss time with a triceps and knee issue. He didn’t participate in either Wednesday’s or Thursday’s practices, and with no signs of improvement yet, his availability for Sunday is very much in doubt.
Making things more complicated, swing tackle Wanya Morris - the rookie who would likely be next in line to step in - also hasn’t practiced this week due to a knee injury. That’s two key pieces of tackle depth trending in the wrong direction just days before kickoff.
Trey Smith, the team’s starting right guard, returned to practice as a full participant on Wednesday after missing last week’s game with an ankle injury. But on Thursday, he was downgraded to limited.
That’s a red flag. If Smith can’t go, the Chiefs would be without three of their top offensive linemen - a tough situation when you’re trying to protect your franchise quarterback.
Speaking of which, Patrick Mahomes (knee) was a full participant both days. No surprises there - Mahomes has played through worse - but it’s still worth monitoring as the season wears on.
Skill Position Updates: Hollywood Returns, Rice Trending Up
Hollywood Brown, who missed Wednesday’s session due to a personal matter, was back in a limited role on Thursday. That’s a step in the right direction, especially with the Chiefs still working to find consistent production from their wide receiver group.
Rashee Rice, who’s emerged as Mahomes’ most reliable wideout in recent weeks, was a full participant both days despite a hamstring issue. That’s great news for an offense that needs his playmaking ability in space.
Nikko Remigio, the rookie return man and wide receiver, also practiced fully after clearing concussion protocol. He’s been a spark on special teams and could give Kansas City some added juice if active on Sunday.
Tight end Noah Gray (shoulder) and safety Bryan Cook (ankle) were both full participants as well, suggesting their ailments aren’t expected to limit them this week.
Defensive Health: Bolton Out Sick, McDuffie Limited
On the defensive side, linebacker Nick Bolton, who had just returned from a wrist injury, was a full participant Wednesday but missed Thursday’s practice due to illness. That’s likely a day-to-day situation, but it’s something to keep an eye on as the Chiefs try to keep their defensive front intact.
Cornerback Trent McDuffie remains limited with a knee issue. He’s been playing through it, but his reps in practice have been managed closely. With the Chargers’ receiving corps still dangerous - even at less than full strength - McDuffie’s presence will be important.
Chargers Injury Report: Herbert Managing the Pain
For the Chargers, quarterback Justin Herbert is still dealing with a broken left hand. He played through it in Monday night’s game against the Eagles and didn’t appear to aggravate the injury - X-rays came back clean - but he’s been limited in practice all week. While it’s not his throwing hand, any injury to a quarterback’s grip and comfort level is worth noting, especially against a Chiefs defense that can bring pressure.
Rookie wide receiver Ladd McConkey is still limited with a foot injury. He’s been a key part of the Chargers’ passing game when healthy, and his status could have a ripple effect on how the team attacks Kansas City’s secondary.
Other Notables: Chargers Missing Key Starters
The Chargers were without four players on both Wednesday and Thursday: right tackle Trey Pipkins III (ankle), defensive back Elijah Molden (hamstring), linebacker Troy Dye (hip), and wide receiver Derius Davis (ankle). That’s a mix of starters and key depth pieces, particularly in the secondary and special teams.
Veterans Keenan Allen and Khalil Mack were held out earlier in the week for rest - a common move for players of their stature - but both were full participants on Thursday and are expected to suit up on Sunday.
What It All Means
Both teams are dealing with meaningful injuries, but the Chiefs’ offensive line situation is arguably the most pressing. If Taylor, Morris, and Smith are all limited or unavailable, that puts a ton of pressure on Mahomes and the offense to adjust quickly - especially against a Chargers front that still features a game-wrecker in Mack.
On the other side, Herbert’s hand injury and the uncertainty around McConkey and Pipkins could limit what the Chargers can do offensively, particularly if the Chiefs’ pass rush can take advantage of a banged-up line.
Bottom line: Health will be a major storyline heading into Sunday. The AFC West standings may not be on the line like in years past, but pride, playoff positioning, and momentum are all in play - and both teams will need to overcome the injury bug to come out on top.