The Kansas City Chiefs’ backs are against the wall heading into Week 15, but the latest injury update news should provide a boost.
There’s no way to know if the playoffs are already out of reach. The odds are low, but the Chiefs technically haven’t been eliminated yet, and they’ll surely have to run the table to have any sort of shot at a wildcard spot.
If they’re going to do that, they’ll need key starters like right guard Trey Smith and cornerback Trent McDuffie, and head coach Andy Reid provided a promising injury update on both as the Chiefs prepare for the Los Angeles Chargers.
“Chiefs Coach Andy Reid says OT Wanya Morris (knee) and RT Jawaan Taylor (pectoral) won’t practice Wednesday,” Chiefs Digest beat reporter Matt Derrick relayed on December 10. Adding: “Everyone else [is] expected to practice in some form, including RG Trey Smith (back) and CB Trent McDuffie (knee).”
While speaking at the press conference, Reid also noted that Taylor is “making progress,” seemingly giving him a chance to return in Week 15 alongside Smith and McDuffie.
Out of the four, Morris’ injury was the only one that Reid hinted would be unlikely to recover by the weekend, stating that the backup OT is “going to take a little time” to get healthy. This was expected after Morris immediately left Week 14 in pain.
As for Smith, Reid wasn’t willing to go into detail on his status but did relay that the integral blocker is “feeling better” and will practice.
Chiefs’ Trent McDuffie Is ‘Sore’ But Will Practice in Latest Injury Update News
GettyKansas City Chiefs cornerback Trent McDuffie is back practicing after his Week 15 injury.
There was a follow-up question on McDuffie and his reported “hyperextended knee.” Reid was cautious about the All-Pro DB, but more on the side of cautiously optimistic.
“We’ll just see how today goes,” Reid told reporters. “[McDuffie has] been sore, so we’ll see how it works through the week, but he’ll go today, and we’ll see what he can do.”
With the season fully on the line in Week 15, it feels like all the Chiefs’ stars are ramping up to get themselves back on the field, even if they are less than 100%.
Based on this update from Reid, Smith and McDuffie are on track to retake the field. And the hope is that Taylor can get himself in a similar position by the weekend.
If Kansas City can get those three back versus the Chargers, they’re a completely different team.
Trey Smith Logs Full Practice for Chiefs as McDuffie Is ‘Limited’
Later in the day on December 10, the Chiefs revealed that Smith logged a full practice. He was still listed on the injury report, alongside several others, but the star offensive lineman appears to be ready to go in Week 15.
McDuffie’s status was a little less clear, as he was listed as a “limited” participant.
Now, limited is much better than a “DNP,” or “did not participate.” But it also shows that McDuffie is not at full strength just yet.
Taylor and Morris did not practice on December 10, as expected, and neither did veteran wide receiver Hollywood Brown, who missed the session for a “personal” reason that was not injury related.
We’ll see if McDuffie and Taylor’s respective injury designations improve throughout the week.
Chiefs Share Major Injury Update on Trey Smith & Trent McDuffie