The Chiefs thin secondary
If the Raiders are looking for any holes in the Chiefs roster for this Sunday, they are liking pointing to the defensive secondary and hoping that some potential losses or recent injuries there could mean the defensive backfield for Kansas City is a bit more suspect than they’ve been in recent games.
The Chiefs are officially welcoming back cornerback Rashad Fenton from injury on Sunday from a knee injury. Head coach Andy Reid said he would be “ready to roll” earlier this week, but Fenton is still officially designated as questionable. Deandre Baker filed in well for the Chiefs last week, but there’s no denying Fenton has been a very reliable performer in the secondary this season.
On Saturday, the Chiefs learned of the tragic stabbing death of L’Jarius Sneed’s brother, which means the team’s best cornerback also had his designation changed to questionable. It’s unknown whether or not Sneed will be available, but his first and foremost concern should be family. That said, there are on-field repercussions here and the Raiders might find some false hopes knowing two of the Chiefs best pass defenders could be out or limited in play.
Finally, special teams ace and defensive back Chris Lammons is also already out for Week 14 with an ankle injury.
Why it’s a false hope: The truth is that the Chiefs remain deep in the secondary here with a defense that’s rolling. As we already mentioned, Baker filled in nicely for Fenton just last week and both he and Sneed are questionable. Even if just one misses the game, Baker can pick up the slack and/or Mike Hughes is also around. Against a tougher opponent, perhaps it’s an issue, but the Chiefs defense has been tremendous and being down an extra corner against the Raiders who lack any real playmakers won’t be an issue.