The Kansas City Chiefs released the final injury report of the week, one day before its scheduled matchup against the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 15.
Suffering an injury ahead of a short week is something that any player dreads. Unfortunately, that’s what happened for a number of key Kansas City Chiefs players leading into Thursday’s game against the L.A. Chargers.
After not practicing for the entirety of the NFL week, running back Spencer Ware (shoulder/hamstring) and offensive guard Cam Erving (knee) are officially designated as doubtful. While this doesn’t necessarily rule them out, their availability for Thursday is unlikely. This means that running back Charcandrick West, who recently signed back with the team after being cut earlier in the year, along with offensive guard Jeff Allen will have increased roles with the absence of Ware and Erving. The other nonparticipant in practice is wide receiver Sammy Watkins (foot), who isn’t expected to play until later in the season.
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As for the limited participants, wide receiver Tyreek Hill (heel/wrist) and safety Eric Berry (heel) were both listed as questionable. Hill had reportedly been expected to play, according to head coach Andy Reid. ESPN’s Adam Schefter confirmed that Hill “will be playing” on Thursday.
The Chiefs hinted toward Berry’s return in a video released on Wednesday afternoon. Berry, who has not played in a game since Week 1 of the 2017 NFL season, will likely make his debut in one of the most important games of the season. Schefter had reported that Berry will make his season debut against the Chargers.
Other reported injuries for the Chiefs are cornerback Kendall Fuller (thumb), quarterback Patrick Mahomes (wrist), linebacker Anthony Hitchens (quad). All three of them had no injury designations and were full participants, meaning they are undoubtedly going to play. The Los Angeles Chargers provided an update with designations on their players as well.
Tight end Sean Culkin (back), running back Austin Ekeler (neck/concussion), nose tackle Brandon Mebane (not injury related), and cornerback Trevor Williams (knee) were all nonparticipants throughout the entirety of the week. Culkin, Ekeler, and Williams are all out against the Chiefs, but Mebane is listed as doubtful. It is still unlikely he will play, however.
Chargers star running back Melvin Gordon did not practice on Monday, but was a limited participant for Tuesday and Wednesday’s practice, with his status listed as questionable. Gordon is a huge piece in the run game and quite honestly the receiving game as well, so having him available will be huge for the Chargers.