The Kansas City Chiefs were at least hoping their defense would be able to stand strong against the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 15 as the offense endured one injury after another heading into Sunday's game. As it turns out, the Chiefs will be shorthanded on that side of the ball as well with the news that cornerback Trent McDuffie was listed among the team's inactive players.
McDuffie suffered a hyperextended knee just one week ago and was removed from the team's Week 14 loss to the Houston Texans. He came out of the game but continued to run and try to work things out with trainers on the sideline, which provided some hope he might be able to return. As it turned out, the knee injury was more severe and will now keep him from a must-win game against a division rival.
The Chargers are in second place in the AFC West and stand firmly in the way of K.C.'s playoff chances. The Chiefs already dug themselves into a 6-7 hole and come into Week 15 in the No. 10 position in the AFC playoff picture. In case you need a reminder, there are only seven spots available. They're tied, record-wise, with the Baltimore Ravens and Miami Dolphins overall.
The Kansas City Chiefs are already facing significant injury concerns on offense, but now a major defensive blow lessens their chances even more against the Chargers.
The Chiefs are already missing several starters on the offensive side. Wide receiver Hollywood Brown is out for Week 15 due to "personal" reasons, per the Chiefs, and will not be available. The offensive line in front of Patrick Mahomes will also roll with three backups, just as they did a week ago. Esa Pole will start at left tackle in place of Wanya Morris (who was starting for Josh Simmons in Week 14). Mike Caliendo is slotted at right guard for Trey Smith, and Jaylon Moore is at right tackle instead of Jawaan Taylor.
Without McDuffie, Jaylen Watson will become even more important as the team's top corner available. Rookie Nohl Williams will also earn significantly more reps while Kristian Fulton might finally get some playing time, as he's listed as active for K.C.
It's a rare missed game for McDuffie, who has made 16 starts per season over the last two years. McDuffie is the Chiefs' top cornerback and stands in line for a lucrative contract extension that general manager Brett Veach has already said both sides are interested in. So far this season, he has 63 tackles, 1 sack, 1 interception, and 7 pass deflections for the Chiefs in 13 starts.
As for the rest of the Chiefs inactives, tight end Jared Wiley, running back Elijah Mitchell, and defensive tackle Zacch Pickens are the other players on the sidelines on Sunday alongside the previously mentioned injured players who weren't already on injured reserve.