Chiefs injuries: Jody Fortson likely to sit with elbow issue

The Kansas City Chiefs are likely going to keep Jody Fortson out this weekend with an elbow injury suffered in Week 15.

Tight end Jody Fortson has had his moments during the ’22 season, moments where the Kansas City Chiefs tight end looked like the sort of prime mismatch that made so many fans excited about his skill set and the future of the position. At the same time, Fortson has also been frustrated this year by injuries and a lack of consistent reps, and the news that he’ll miss more time with an elbow injury will only complicate things the year even more.

On Tuesday, Chiefs head coach Andy Reid spoke to reporters about the team’s upcoming game on Saturday against the visiting Seattle Seahawks at Arrowhead. Given the short week—K.C. and Seattle kick off on Saturday instead of Sunday given the holiday schedule—the Chiefs were back at practice and the podium on Wednesday for updates and Reid had one on Fortson’s availability.

In Week 15’s win over the Houston Texans, the Chiefs watched Fortson hurt his elbow and Reid said on Tuesday that Fortson will forgo practice on Tuesday and likely beyond into the weekend due to an “subluxed elbow.” That means Fortson’s elbow is partially dislocated and the severity of it, Reid said, will likely keep him out for the Chiefs’ next game.

While nothing is official yet, the Chiefs have plenty of pass catchers already involved with the offense and Noah Gray has become a consistent contributor in recent weeks himself. He’s caught every single target except one thrown his way going back to Week 6. The Chiefs also welcome back Mecole Hardman to the active roster at some point, and after recently adding Kadarius Toney, the Chiefs are nearing full strength on offense.

Reid did mention that veteran Blake Bell, who has sat out almost the entire season with a hip injury, could be called upon in Fortson’s absence but nothing was official there.

Fortson has 9 catches for 108 yards and 2 touchdowns on the season for Kansas City.