It seems like just yesterday that the Kansas City Chiefs were pummeling the Las Vegas Raiders. Okay, so it was only four days ago. But those memories are quickly fading because the Chiefs now face a short week with the Los Angeles Chargers on top for a battle for the division.
This winner-take-all match couldn’t have come at a worse time for the Chiefs—or the Chargers for that matter. Both teams would’ve preferred having a full week to prepare in what could very likely determine not only the division but also the #1 seed in the AFC.
The Chiefs escaped the Raiders with no injuries, thankfully, and things were looking pretty good for K.C., especially after the Chargers put left tackle Rashawn Slater on the COVID reserve list. But then we learned the Chiefs were experiencing their own COVID issues. Wide receiver Josh Gordon tested positive, only a day after his first touchdown with the team. Then on Tuesday, we found out defensive lineman Chris Jones was being put on the COVID list, presumably with a positive test.
Yikes.
Now neither of these would be a bad thing if, assuming both are vaccinated, the game was being played on Sunday. Two back-to-back negative tests would probably be possible by then, but because of the short week, both are very much in doubt. Even Tyrann Mathieu acknowledged the difficulty in replacing Jones.
Defensive back Tyrann Mathieu cited pressuring quarterback Justin Herbert as the defensive key to beating Chargers. Chris Jones leads Chiefs in sacks with 7. “You talk about inside dominance,'' Tyrann Mathieu said. "It’s going to be a big challenge for us to replace him.’’
— Adam Teicher (@adamteicher) December 14, 2021
Whatever you may think of the COVID protocols, all of this could not have happened at a worse time for either team. Most teams don’t like playing on Thursday night anyway. The only consolation is that it seems to be a league-wide problem.
Here's a full list of all 36 players placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list today. All 36 players tested positive, per the NFL. pic.twitter.com/oj2K64IKHf
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) December 13, 2021
Outside of COVID, which is easily the most difficult part of a short week, the Chiefs also were only able to get one practice in this week. That doesn’t typically bode well for anybody, but it could be especially concerning for the Chiefs’ continuing question mark at right tackle.
The other decision the Chiefs will have to make is in regards to L’Jarius Sneed. After the tragic murder of his brother last Friday, Sneed understandably missed the game against the Raiders. He returned to K.C. on Tuesday, according to Andy Reid, but his game status is still up in the air. Knowing Coach Reid, he isn’t going to put Sneed in a situation he’s not ready for.
Andy Reid said L'Jarius Sneed is on his way back to KC but will not practice today. "I think it will be good for him to be around his teammates."
— Adam Teicher (@adamteicher) December 14, 2021
Thursday Night Football is going to be a tough game for both teams, and they are no doubt looking forward to the ‘mini-bye week’ that comes after. Hopefully, the Chiefs can stay COVID-free until then and only potentially lose Chris Jones and Josh Gordon.