Chiefs’ injuries pile up, especially at wide receiver and on the offensive line
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- Mahomes placed on injured reserve for nine months; Chiefs confront QB void.
- Wideouts Rashee Rice and Tyquan Thornton enter concussion protocol; status unclear.
- Offensive line injuries force undrafted tackles into starting roles; depth tested.
The Chiefs have injury issues — that is, in addition to Patrick Mahomes.
Losing their starting quarterback for an estimated nine months is the Chiefs’ biggest issue this week, but the list of other players who missed practice Wednesday — as KC prepares for Sunday’s game at the Tennessee Titans — is lengthy.
Two wide receivers — Rashee Rice and Tyquan Thornton — have entered the NFL’s concussion protocol, Chiefs coach Andy Reid said.
Also missing practice were linebacker Leo Chenal, with a shoulder injury, and cornerback Trent McDuffie, who missed last weekend’s game against the Los Angeles Chargers after hyperextending his knee a week earlier.
A hyperextended knee is also what kept swing tackle Jaylon Moore from Wednesday’s practice, and right tackle Jawaan Taylor is still recovering from an elbow injury.
The Chiefs’ offensive line injuries had already pushed two undrafted tackles into starting roles last week. Esa Pole, who originally signed with the Chiefs last year, opened the game against L.A. at left tackle; Chu Godrick, who came to the Chiefs through the NFL’s International Player Program, started at right tackle.
The Chiefs also made several roster moves Wednesday, starting with placing Mahomes on the league’s reserve/injured list.
They also signed defensive tackle Zacch Pickens to an active roster contract. Pickens, a third-round pick by Chicago in 2023, appeared in 26 games for the Bears in two seasons. He joined the Chiefs’ practice squad before the season began.
The Chiefs also designated tight end Jake Briningstool and cornerback Nazeeh Johnson to return to practice and signed wide receiver Jimmy Holiday to the practice squad.