As the Kansas City Chiefs gear up for a primetime showdown against the Houston Texans on Sunday Night Football, the final injury report paints a picture of a team that’s banged up in some key spots - particularly along the offensive line - but still has its core stars ready to go. Kickoff is set for 7:20 p.m. Arrowhead Time at GEHA Field, and the status of a few players could have a real impact on how this one unfolds.
Chiefs Injury Report: Key Starters in Question
Let’s start with the offensive line - and the concern is real. Both right guard Trey Smith (ankle) and right tackle Jawaan Taylor (triceps/knee) missed all three practices this week and are officially listed as doubtful. That’s not what you want to see heading into a game against a Texans front that’s been quietly disruptive this season.
Smith and Taylor anchor the right side of the line, and if they can’t go, the Chiefs will likely have to shuffle personnel - something that could affect both the run game and Patrick Mahomes’ comfort in the pocket. Mahomes, by the way, is good to go.
He was a full participant all week with a knee issue, and there’s no game designation next to his name. Business as usual for No.
Running back Isiah Pacheco (knee) also practiced in full all week and is set to play, as is tight end Noah Gray (concussion/shoulder). The Chiefs are going to need Pacheco’s physical running style even more if the offensive line is missing key pieces.
Wide receiver Rashee Rice (hamstring), defensive end George Karlaftis (thumb), safety Bryan Cook (ankle), and rookie safety Jaden Hicks (shoulder) all practiced fully and carry no injury designation. That’s a solid sign for a Chiefs defense that’s been one of the league’s best this season - and will need to be sharp against a Texans offense that’s been gaining confidence.
WR Nikko Remigio Out After Late-Week Setback
One of the more unexpected developments came with wide receiver and return specialist Nikko Remigio. He was a full participant earlier in the week, but on Friday was downgraded to limited after apparently suffering a concussion during practice. He’s now been ruled out for Sunday.
While Remigio’s absence won’t dramatically alter the offensive game plan, it does affect special teams. He’s been a reliable return man and a solid blocker - the kind of player who quietly helps flip field position and extend drives. Special teams coordinator Dave Toub acknowledged that while Remigio is dependable, he’s confident in the depth at returner, particularly Brashard Smith, who had a 33-yard return last week and is expected to see more opportunities.
CB Christian Roland-Wallace Out, Josh Simmons to IR
Cornerback Christian Roland-Wallace (back) didn’t practice all week and has been ruled out. He’s been primarily a depth piece, but his absence trims the secondary rotation just a bit.
Josh Simmons, who left last week’s game with a wrist injury, has been placed on injured reserve. That move opens up a roster spot but also means Simmons will miss at least four games.
Texans Update: Defensive Reinforcements Return
On the Houston side, there’s good news on the injury front. Four players who were limited earlier in the week were upgraded to full participants on Friday: defensive end Will Anderson Jr. (chest/shoulder), running back Woody Marks (ankle), right tackle Trent Brown (hand), and defensive tackle Denico Autry (knee). All are expected to be available, which is a big boost for the Texans on both sides of the ball.
Cornerback Kamari Lassiter (foot) also practiced fully on Friday, but he’s officially listed as questionable. If he’s able to go, it adds another layer of depth to a Houston secondary that’ll need all hands on deck against Mahomes and the Chiefs’ receiving corps.
Special teams contributors Jamal Hill (hamstring) and Jaylen Reed (forearm) did not practice and are both out for Week 14.
The Texans also made a roster move, claiming cornerback Ja’Marcus Ingram off waivers from the Buffalo Bills to fill the spot vacated by defensive tackle Tim Settle, who was placed on injured reserve earlier this week.
What It All Means
The headline here is the potential absence of two starting offensive linemen for Kansas City. If Trey Smith and Jawaan Taylor can’t suit up, the Chiefs will be forced to test their depth in a big way - and against a Texans defense that’s getting healthy at the right time.
Mahomes is still Mahomes, and having Pacheco back in the mix helps, but pass protection and run blocking could be under pressure if the right side of the line is compromised. On the other side, the Texans are walking into Arrowhead with some momentum and a mostly clean bill of health - a rare December luxury.
Sunday night’s matchup is shaping up to be more than just another AFC tilt. It’s a litmus test for the Chiefs’ offensive resilience and a chance for the Texans to prove they belong in the playoff conversation. Buckle up.