As the Kansas City Chiefs gear up to host the Los Angeles Chargers at Arrowhead Stadium this Sunday in a pivotal Week 15 matchup, both teams are dealing with a flurry of injury concerns that could shape how this game plays out. Let’s break down where things stand heading into kickoff.
Chiefs Injury Outlook: Key Starters Sidelined, McDuffie Questionable
Kansas City’s final injury report of the week brings a mix of good news and setbacks. Two players who missed last week’s win over the Houston Texans - right guard Trey Smith (ankle) and wide receiver/return man Nikko Remigio (concussion) - returned to practice early in the week, but only one is trending in the right direction.
Smith, a key piece of the offensive line, started the week as a full participant but saw his workload decrease, going from limited on Thursday to out entirely on Friday. He’s officially ruled out.
That’s a tough blow for a Chiefs line that’s already been juggling continuity issues this season. Head coach Andy Reid confirmed the decision in Friday’s press conference.
Remigio, meanwhile, appears to be progressing well and could be in line to return, though the report didn’t list his final status.
Wide receiver Hollywood Brown will also miss Sunday’s game. After an excused absence on Wednesday, he returned in a limited capacity Thursday but didn’t practice on Friday and was ruled out. His absence thins the Chiefs' receiving corps, especially with the offense still searching for consistent production at the position outside of Rashee Rice and Travis Kelce.
One of the biggest question marks heading into Sunday is cornerback Trent McDuffie. He’s officially questionable, but the good news is he was a full participant in Friday’s session after being limited earlier in the week. If he’s active, it would be a major boost for Kansas City’s secondary, especially against a Chargers team that still has weapons even with Justin Herbert playing through injury.
The offensive line takes another hit with both right tackle Jawaan Taylor (triceps/knee) and swing tackle Wanya Morris (knee) ruled out after not practicing all week. That’s a significant concern given the Chargers’ pass rush - even if Khalil Mack’s status is uncertain.
On the defensive side, linebacker Nick Bolton returned to full participation Friday after missing Thursday’s practice due to illness. He carries no injury designation, meaning he’s good to go - a welcome development for a defense that leans on his leadership and tackling ability in the middle.
Chargers Injury Report: Herbert Playing Through Pain, WR Room Banged Up
For Los Angeles, the headline is that quarterback Justin Herbert is still dealing with a broken left hand but practiced in a limited capacity all week. He has no injury designation, so he’s expected to start.
While it’s not his throwing hand, any injury to a quarterback’s plant hand can still impact ball security, snaps, and comfort in the pocket. It’s something to watch, especially against a Chiefs defense that’s been aggressive and opportunistic all year.
The Chargers' wide receiver group is dealing with its own share of issues. Rookie wideout Quintin Johnston popped up on the injury report Friday with a groin issue and is listed as questionable.
That’s on top of Derius Davis, who was ruled out after not practicing all week. Starting wide receiver Ladd McConkey (foot) was limited throughout the week but has no injury designation, so he’s expected to suit up.
Veteran Keenan Allen, the team’s top receiving threat, was back to full participation Thursday and Friday after a rest day on Wednesday. He’s good to go, and his presence will be critical for a Chargers offense looking to stay competitive on the road.
Up front, the Chargers are facing potential losses on both sides of the ball. Right tackle Trey Pipkins III (ankle) and defensive back Elijah Molden (hamstring) didn’t practice all week and are officially doubtful. That could open up opportunities for the Chiefs’ pass rush and test the depth of a Chargers defense that’s already struggled with consistency.
Linebacker Troy Dye (hip) returned to limited participation Friday after missing the first two practices of the week and is questionable. Meanwhile, tight end Will Dissly (shoulder) was upgraded to full participation and carries no game designation, meaning he should be available as a rotational option.
Lastly, edge rusher Khalil Mack - who’s been a force this season - was a full participant the past two days after resting Wednesday, but he’s still listed as questionable. If he’s active, the Chiefs’ patchwork offensive line will have its hands full containing him.
What It Means for Sunday
This game is shaping up to be a test of depth and adaptability for both teams. The Chiefs are down multiple starters on the offensive line, and they’ll be without key weapons in the passing game. If McDuffie can’t go, that’s another blow to a defense that’s been one of the league’s best.
For the Chargers, Herbert’s health is the biggest storyline, but the wide receiver injuries and potential absence of Pipkins could limit their ability to stretch the field or protect the pocket.
Both teams are fighting for playoff positioning, and with injuries stacking up on both sides, the margin for error just got even slimmer. Expect a physical, gritty battle at Arrowhead - one where the healthiest team might just come out on top.