Chiefs who haven’t practiced (Sneed, Pacheco, Edwards-Helaire) could play on Sunday
The Chiefs have ruled out wide receiver Kadarius Toney and tackle Donovan Smith because of injuries ahead of Sunday’s game against the Cincinnati Bengals.
Cornerback L’Jarius Sneed and running backs Isiah Pacheco and Clyde Edwards-Helaire could see action despite missing practice this week. All are listed as questionable, along with wide receiver Mecole Hardman.
Sneed, working through a calf injury, didn’t practice this week. He’s started every game for the past two years and is having his best season as a pro.
“He’s playing really good football, All-Pro level,” Chiefs coach Andy Reid said.
Sneed hasn’t allowed a touchdown and often has held the opponent’s top receiver below his season average. He likely will draw the Bengals’ Ja’Marr Chase as an assignment during Sunday’s game and could be additionally motivated after comments by Chase this week.
“The best player on their team is Sneed,” Chase told reporters in Cincinnati on Thursday. “That’s a fact. Everybody knows that. That’s why they double everything they see. They know I’m good. They know how to play us. It’s not like they’ve got a superstar on their defense.”
Chase, who didn’t play last weekend because of a shoulder injury, was limited in practice for the second straight day on Friday. Bengals coach Zac Taylor said “we’ll see” when asked about Chase playing Sunday. He’s listed as questionable.
Reid had the same “we’ll see” answer when asked about the availability of Pacheco and Edwards-Helaire. Neither practiced this week. Pacheco has been in the NFL’s concussion protocol and Edwards-Helaire has been out with an illness.
Asked if the Chiefs will need to dig deep in the depth chart at running back, Reid said, “I don’t think we’ll need to.”
Toney will miss his second straight game with a hip injury. Fellow Chiefs wideout Richie James saw a season-high 25 snaps last week.
Rookie offensive lineman Wanya Morris should get his third straight start for Smith, who has a neck injury.