The Kansas City Chiefs will head into Sunday’s matchup against the Houston Texans with a reshuffled lineup and some notable absences, particularly along the offensive line.
As anticipated, both starting right guard Trey Smith and right tackle Jawaan Taylor are inactive after being listed as doubtful on Friday’s final injury report. Neither lineman practiced this week, and their absence puts Kansas City’s offensive front in a tough spot. With depth being tested, the Chiefs are going with four active tight ends for the first time this season-an adjustment that could help in both pass protection and run support.
The offensive line isn’t the only area taking a hit. Kansas City will also be without cornerback Kristian Fulton, wide receiver Jalen Royals, running back Elijah Mitchell, and kick returner Nikko Remigio.
Remigio, who was ruled out after reportedly suffering a concussion during Friday’s practice, had been carving out a role on special teams. That’s a loss the Chiefs will have to account for in the return game.
Safety Christian Roland-Wallace, who had already been ruled out with a back injury, was officially moved to the Reserve/Injured list on Saturday. That roster move opened the door for some shuffling.
The team elevated guard C.J. Hanson from the practice squad, and he’s active for the game.
Hanson’s elevation is a short-term fix-he’ll revert to the practice squad after the game-but he’ll be counted on to provide emergency depth in the trenches.
Over on the Texans’ side, they’ve also released their list of inactives, with a few key updates.
Cornerback Kamari Lassiter, who was questionable leading into the game, is active and will suit up against Kansas City. That’s a boost for Houston’s secondary as they prepare to face Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs’ aerial attack.
The Texans will be without wide receiver Braxton Berrios, quarterback Graham Mertz, cornerback Ja’Marcus Ingram, defensive end Solomon Byrd, linebacker Jamal Hill, and tackle Jarrett Kingston. Hill had already been ruled out earlier in the week. Safety Jaylen Reed was also listed as out but, like Roland-Wallace for the Chiefs, was moved to the Reserve/Injured list on Saturday.
To help fill the gaps, Houston elevated defensive back Alijah Huzzie and defensive tackle Haggai Chisom Ndubuisi from the practice squad. Ndubuisi will be active for the game, while Huzzie is inactive despite the promotion.
This game is shaping up to be a test of depth and adaptability for both teams. The Chiefs, in particular, will need to get creative with their personnel-especially up front-if they want to keep Mahomes upright and the offense humming. Keep an eye on how Kansas City utilizes those four tight ends, and whether the reshuffled line can hold up against Houston’s pass rush.