KC Chiefs will miss some of their best defenders vs. Chargers

LANDOVER, MARYLAND - OCTOBER 17: Willie Gay Jr. #50 of the Kansas City Chiefs in position during a NFL football game against the Washington Football Team at FedExField on October 17, 2021 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images)
LANDOVER, MARYLAND - OCTOBER 17: Willie Gay Jr. #50 of the Kansas City Chiefs in position during a NFL football game against the Washington Football Team at FedExField on October 17, 2021 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images) /
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KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI – NOVEMBER 21: Derrick Nnadi #91 and Willie Gay #50 of the Kansas City Chiefs tackle Tony Pollard #20 of the Dallas Cowboys during the first quarter of the game at Arrowhead Stadium on November 21, 2021 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by David Eulitt/Getty Images)
KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI – NOVEMBER 21: Derrick Nnadi #91 and Willie Gay #50 of the Kansas City Chiefs tackle Tony Pollard #20 of the Dallas Cowboys during the first quarter of the game at Arrowhead Stadium on November 21, 2021 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by David Eulitt/Getty Images) /

As the Kansas City Chiefs prepare to visit the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 15 in a game that could lock in a division title for one of these two teams, the Chiefs are ailing on the defensive side of the ball in such a short week. Both teams have suffered significant losses on the injury report, largely due to the spread of COVID-19, and the results will be felt during the game in how well both sides will adjust (or not adjust).

For the Chiefs, there are numerous defensive hits due to COVID or otherwise, that will cause them to go with holes in a lineup of an otherwise dominant defense that has been shutting down opponents for several weeks. The Chiefs have won six games in a row largely on the back of their overwhelming defense but now that comes into question due to missing players as well as the offensive dynamism of the Chargers.

Who will come out on top? Much of the outcome will come down to how well the Chiefs reserves can step up. In the wake of big names missing out, it’s going to be tough sledding. Here’s a look at the players who will be out for the Chiefs and the impact of their absence.