It's all-or-nothing at this point for the Kansas City Chiefs. And in their best efforts to stave off a losing season and claim some progress toward an unlikely playoff run, the team is going to have to do so a bit more short-handed than expected, with the release of the latest injury report showing some surprises.
The Chiefs host the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday in a game they must win—a true description for every one of the team's four remaining contests—but unfortunately, the Chiefs offense will be missing quite a few starters.
Along the offensive line, Kansas City has been leaning on backups for a few games and that trend will continue into Week 15 with the news that right guard Trey Smith is not ready, per head coach Andy Reid, to take the field after missing two consecutive contests already due to an ankle injury. Smith was able to practice as a full participant on Wednesday, but he was limited on Thursday and the downward trend proved true. The Chiefs can only hope he can return to face the Tennessee Titans in Week 16.
With Mike Caliendo slated to start at right guard, the Chiefs will have a backup next to him at tackle as well with Jaylon Moore playing once again for the injured Jawaan Taylor. A triceps injury has kept Taylor out of practice, and the team went with Moore one week ago in a loss against the Houston Texans.
The Kansas City Chiefs host the L.A. Chargers in Week 15, and the list of players unavailable is becoming a major concern on offense.
As Wanya Morris continues to sit out with a lower leg injury, the Chiefs also announced that former rookie free agent Esa Pole will get his first official start at left tackle. Pole took over for Morris just one play into the game against Houston and performed admirably. It will be interesting to see how he fares against a strong Chargers defense with a bit of tape on him.
The most surprising news of the day, however, belongs to Hollywood Brown. The Chiefs will be without the veteran wide receiver due to "personal" reasons in Week 15. Fans should expect Tyquan Thornton to take on more of a central role within the offense, or perhaps the Chiefs rely on bigger packages that favor mutliple tight ends. Either way, it's an unforeseen development for K.C.'s offense.
Cornerback Trent McDuffie is expected to return to the secondary, giving a boost to the Chiefs' defense even as the offense is limited. McDuffie suffered a hyperextended knee, but he was able to practice this week. It will still be important to keep an eye on how he looks as the Chiefs take the field on Sunday.