The Chiefs aren't sure yet if they're going to be without their top cornerback or not against the Cincinnati Bengals.
When a team is typically preparing to face the Cincinnati Bengals, the typical area of focus is on the opponent's tremendous passing attack, knowing that targets like Tee Higgins and Ja'Marr Chase often feast on opponents week by week in the NFL. This week that's difficult for the Kansas City Chiefs because they don't know if they'll have their top cornerback or not.
Chiefs corner L'Jarius Sneed has been dealing with a calf injury suffered last Monday all week and has missed practice in the hopes that rest and rehab could have him ready to face the Bengals on Sunday. However, as Week 17 approaches for their scheduled Sunday afternoon kickoff, reports say that Sneed is still on the fence about playing.
Despite "improving dramatically" from Friday to Saturday, the Chiefs won't make a call on Sneed until just before they take the field—calling it a game-time decision.
Sneed is the Chiefs' top corner this season and a Pro Bowl candidate for a breakout season in which he's shut down the opposing team's top receiver on more than one instance. While the Chiefs also have a future Pro Bowler in Trent McDuffie, the loss of Sneed would still hurt if he's unable to go.
If Sneed is out, Jaylen Watson and Joshua Williams could hold things down outside if McDuffie is in the middle. Then again, Chamarri Conner could be ready for a greater workload for the Chiefs as well as a versatile rookie. The Chiefs have the youth and depth but no one with the skill set to mirror what Sneed brings to the table.
Sneed, who is in a contract season for the Chiefs, has 75 tackles, 13 passes deflected, 4 fumble recoveries and 2 interceptions.