Texans vs Chiefs inactives: Joe Mixon, Azeez Al-Shaair expected to play against K.C.

Let's look at who will be suiting up in the Divisional Round.

Houston Texans v Kansas City Chiefs
Houston Texans v Kansas City Chiefs | David Eulitt/GettyImages

The Kansas City Chiefs have no excuse for a lack of readiness at this moment. The extra bye week and the chance to even rest more starters in Week 18 have given them plenty of time to recover and heal from a long and grueling regular season. That much should be reflected in the team's inactive list headed into the postseason.

After sitting out the Wild Card round, the Chiefs are now ready to host the Houston Texans in Saturday's Divisional Round matchup. And as they prepare to take the field, the roster should be as healthy as ever—perhaps even more so than at the beginning of the year.

Let's look at the lists of inactive players for the Chiefs and Texans.

In the days leading up to the game, the Chiefs' injury report looked very favorable with only wide receiver and kick returner Mecole Hardman listed as limited in his participation during practices. Other Chiefs are still dealing with various injuries, but they're healthy enough to get a full week of practice in. Hardman has been ruled out, but that also means Nikko Remigio will have a real spotlight on him for the Chiefs.

As for the rest of the roster, everyone should be good to go which should leave the inactives list against Houston as a list of the players on the fringes of the roster.

As for the Texans, they're coming into the Divisional Round a bit more beat up, but no one is taking them lightly after watching them roll over the L.A. Chargers by 20 points. Running back Joe Mixon is dealing with an ankle that limited him during the week, and Shaq Mason is a recent return from injury who was also limited this week. Tight end Dalton Schutz's shoulder was also a concern in practice.

Still, heading into Sunday's game, Mixon is expected to suit up despite the injury concerns. In addition, the Texans' defense will be glad to have the physical impact of linebacker Azeez Al-Shaiir back in the heart of it all. These moves illustrate the all-or-nothing reality of the NFL postseason. Given the importance of the game, expect every player to do their best to be on the field.

Here are the Chiefs' inactives

  • CB Keith Taylor
  • OL CJ Hanson
  • OT Wanya Morris
  • OT Ethan Driskell
  • DE Joshua Uche
  • DE Malik Herring
  • S Deon Bush

Here are the Texans' inactives

  • LB Devin White
  • DE Jerry Hughes
  • OL Kendrick Green
  • OG Nick Broeker
  • DT Kurt Hinish
  • RB J.J. Taylor

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