The Kansas City Chiefs relayed news that multiple injured players would be ruled out on December 12, ahead of the Week 15 matchup with the Los Angeles Chargers, but star cornerback Trent McDuffie was not among the group of expected absences.
“Everyone else went out there and did their thing, McDuffie was out there practicing,” Chiefs head coach Andy Reid told reporters at his final press conference before the Chargers matchup.
Needless to say, this update sounded promising on the surface, although Reid did not elaborate on McDuffie’s Week 15 status. However, later, the Chiefs complicated the matter with a simple announcement.
“Trent McDuffie is questionable for Sunday’s game against the Chargers,” the KC social media team informed on X.
A better final injury status than an “out” or “doubtful” tag, but still cryptic enough not to guarantee McDuffie will play. This, plus Reid’s vague injury update, puts the star CB’s Week 15 status up in the air.
Trent McDuffie Suffered a Hyperextended Knee in Chiefs’ Week 14 Loss
GettyThe Kansas City Chiefs need star cornerback Trent McDuffie in Week 15.
McDuffie suffered a fairly serious injury against the Houston Texans, as he left the game with a hyperextended knee.
We’ve seen players make one-week recoveries from this injury in the past, but it’s also the type of thing that could keep a player out a week or two.
McDuffie has been “limited” in practice throughout the week, up until December 12. On the final day of non-walkthrough sessions, the Chiefs upgraded their integral defensive back to a “full” practice, which is certainly a good sign for Week 15.
And yet, the questionable tag provides just a hint of doubt.
Kansas City is likely waiting to see how McDuffie’s knee responds to a full practice session. After all, right guard Trey Smith logged a full practice earlier in the week before being downgraded and eventually ruled out against the Chargers.
The Chiefs cannot afford for McDuffie to suffer the same fate, and the training and coaching staffs appear to be proceeding with caution because of that.
McDuffie’s Absence Would Likely Change the Entire Chiefs’ Gameplan Against the Chargers
If McDuffie does miss Week 15 for some reason, it would likely throw defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo’s initial gameplan out the window.
McDuffie is such a key player for the KC defense because he can do so many different things well.
If you need someone to shadow the top pass-catcher of the opposition, McDuffie is your guy. If you need a lockdown boundary CB or a tremendous nickel, he’s your guy for both of those positions, too.
Really, McDuffie generally ends up being utilized wherever the Chiefs need him most, and they’ll certainly need him against a deep Chargers group at wide receiver and tight end.
If healthy, it would make sense for McDuffie to line up across from slot specialist and rising star Ladd McConkey, given the All-Pro nickel’s strengths inside. But that plan would quickly change if McDuffie is ruled out.
The Chiefs don’t have slot DB Christian Roland-Wallace right now, since he was placed on IR, meaning Chamarri Conner would likely guard the slot if McDuffie doesn’t. From there, Jaylen Watson and Kristian Fulton would be the two most likely starting cornerbacks on the perimeter, with Bryan Cook and Jaden Hicks starting at safety.
Chiefs Make Cryptic Trent McDuffie Announcement Before Chargers Clash