Several key players succumb to injury ahead of Week 15

Several members of the Kansas City Chiefs are dealing with a variety of injuries as the team prepares on a short week for the Chargers.

After being relatively healthy in terms of injury in Week 14, the Kansas City Chiefs have several injuries ahead of its Week 15 matchup against the Los Angeles Chargers—a game that comes just four days after the team’s overtime win over the Baltimore Ravens.

The most notable injury for the Chiefs in Week 14 was wide receiver Tyreek Hill who came up dealing with a heel and wrist injury for what seemed like the majority of the game. Hill played through the injury and remained in the game. On Monday morning, the day after the game, Chiefs head coach Andy Reid provided an update on Hill.

Reid said that Hill was “day-to-day” and expected him to play against the Chargers on Thursday night. Hill was listed as a nonparticipant in Monday’s practice, along with offensive guard Cam Erving (Knee), Spencer Ware (Shoulder/Hamstring), Sammy Watkins (Foot). Notwithstanding his nonparticipation in practice, Hill’s injury is not considered major, according to Reid.

Ware and Erving not practicing are a little alarming yet all but surprising. Ware took some heavy hits and had been listed as questionable after leaving the game ahead of halftime. He returned as the second half began, but Erving did not return to the game. As for Watkins, his nonparticipation is expected as he’s missed a few weeks with a re-injured foot.

The only limited participant was safety Eric Berry, who returned to practice in Week 13 but has taken his time as he recovers from a heel injury. While his status is still uncertain for Week 15, there’s a good chance that he could play. There is no better time for him to return: a primetime home game against a division rival, one in which Chiefs legendary tight end Tony Gonzalez is being enshrined to the Chiefs Hall of Fame. The game also boasts huge playoff implications, so Berry being able to play would be huge for the defense against Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers.

Full participants for the team on Monday’s practice listed on the injury report are quarterback Patrick Mahomes (Left Wrist), cornerback Kendall Fuller (Thumb), inside linebacker Anthony Hitchens (Quad). Mahomes’ injury is a little surprising, but I would not say it warrants any cause for concern. Full participation in an injury report is a good thing, as such, I surely do not see it hindering his game status in the slightest.

The Chargers sported a few injuries as well, a few of them being rather alarming. Out of the five players listed on the Chargers’ injury report, none of them were participants in today’s practice. Those listed on the injury report are running back Melvin Gordon (Knee), running back Austin Ekeler (Neck/Concussion), tight end Sean Culkin (Back), nose tackle Brandon Mebane (Not Injury Related), and cornerback Trevor Williams (Knee).

Gordon and Ekeler are perhaps the two most notable injuries for the Chargers, as the top two running backs for the Chargers. Gordon has a chance to return against the Chiefs, but his status is uncertain and unlikely at this point.