Update: Pennel is back in the game for the Chiefs after coming out early before halftime with a hamstring concern.
The Kansas City Chiefs have lost a key defensive lineman to an injury shortly before halftime in Week 17 with the sight of Mike Pennel heading back to the locker room.
The Chiefs are on the road at Pittsburgh in a special Christmas Day showdown against the Steelers on Netflix.
Pennel officially has a hamstring injury for the Chiefs and is questionable to return.
Mike Pennel is questionable to return with a hamstring injury. pic.twitter.com/eaDMDWbCT7
— Kansas City Chiefs (@Chiefs) December 25, 2024
The Chiefs came into the game already down defensive star Chris Jones, who suffered a calf injury in the team's previous win over the Houston Texans in Week 16. Now without Pennel, the Chiefs' run defense takes a major hit with one half of football left to play.
The Chiefs are fortunate to have a six-point lead at halftime at 13-7, but the Steelers' ground game has been effective in the first half and should be a major focal point for the rest of the game. The Steelers have 18 rushes for 97 yards on the ground overall—good for a 5.4 yards/carry average—and their lone score on the day featured Russell Wilson on a short scramble as well.
Pennel has been a key contributor for the Chiefs this season as a starter in six games. He has 24 total tackles and 3 sacks and is one of the team's best run stoppers overall.