Josh Mauga injury: Misses practice with groin sprain

The Kansas City Chiefs have an injury to monitor throughout practice this week, with inside linebacker Josh Mauga dealing with a groin sprain. Mauga sustained the injury in the first quarter on Sunday against the Cincinnati Bengals and did not return, and is now missing Wednesday’s practice, according to Terez Paylor of the Kansas City Star.

I’m not a doctor, but it seems like a groin sprain is likely to keep Mauga out for this Sunday’s game against the Chicago Bears. Mauga’s loss certainly does not help but is not the end of the world either, considering he is a role player with the return of Derrick Johnson. Through four weeks, Mauga has made 14 tackles.

If Mauga is indeed sidelined, look for rookie Ramik Wilson to take his place. Mauga missed the entire preseason with a heel issue, something that allowed Wilson to get ample playing time with the first-string defense. Wilson would mostly be playing on running downs, coming out on second and third and long in favor of another cornerback or safety.

The Chiefs desperately need this game. Sitting at 1-3, they are overwhelming favorites to beat the Chicago Bears at Arrowhead Stadium. A victory would put Kansas City back in the playoff conversation. A loss might send this team toward a top-five pick in the draft and a massive housecleaning in the offseason.