Alex Okafor, Damien Wilson among Chiefs injured vs. Lions
By Matt Conner
The Kansas City Chiefs left Ford Field with a relatively healthy roster and their fourth win in four games against the Detroit Lions.
The Kansas City Chiefs came into their Week 4 game against the Detroit Lions with a few key injuries, mostly on offense, but they left with a couple more names to watch on the injury report on defense.
After the game, Chiefs head coach Andy Reid spoke to reporters and detailed the team’s health concerns as they headed home to prepare for the Indianapolis Colts in Week 5. Reid mentioned two players of note, both defenders, who were hurt—or at least they think—during the team’s 34-30 victory over the Lions.
Defensive end Alex Okafor has a hip injury, per Reid. “Okafor strained his hip a little bit, but I think he’s gonna be all right when it’s all said and done,” said Reid after the game. Okafor has 8 tackles and 1 sack so far on the year for the Chiefs. He also added another 2 quarterback hits on Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford on Sunday.
As for Wilson, he apparently was hit by cornerback Bashaud Breeland in the game and was forced to leave the field. He entered the medical tent under the league’s concussion protocol, but Reid said there was confusion on the official’s part and that Wilson wasn’t out like some thought.
“The Damien Wilson thing was kind of weird. They asked him to come off the field and then there was a little confusion after that as to exactly what went on. Then they said he could come back in, but it all worked out where he could come back in if we needed him at the end there,” said Reid.
Wilson has been the most under-the-radar addition to the team this offseason. He has 23 tackles with 1 forced fumble, 1 pass defended, and 1 quarterback hit. He’s also been one of the few positive forces in the team’s run defense.
It’s unknown whether Okafor or Wilson will be forced to join the likes of wide receiver Tyreek Hill, left tackle Eric Fisher or running back Damien Williams on the sidelines for a full game, but more details will come out as the Chiefs begin to practice for the Colts next Sunday.