Kansas City Chiefs' first injury report for divisional round matchup vs. Texans is an encouraging one
The Kansas City Chiefs and the Houston Texans have completed their first practices ahead of their Saturday divisional playoff round matchup at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. The Chiefs couldn't have better news to begin the practice week as every single player participated in some fashion. Many key starters were battling ailments during the regular […]
The Kansas City Chiefs and the Houston Texans have completed their first practices ahead of their Saturday divisional playoff round matchup at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.
The Chiefs couldn't have better news to begin the practice week as every single player participated in some fashion. Many key starters were battling ailments during the regular season finale against the Denver Broncos, but fortunately they got to sit out and rest as Kansas City had the No. 1 seed in the AFC locked up.
That is now paying off in a big way. Let's take a look at the first injury reports of the week for both the Chiefs and Texans. . .
First Chiefs Injury Report
| Player | Injury | Tuesday |
|---|---|---|
WR Mecole Hardman (IR) | Calf | LP |
CB Jaylen Watson | Ankle | FP |
DT Chris Jones | Knee | FP |
RT Jawaan Taylor | Knee | FP |
RB Isiah Pacheco | Ribs | FP |
QB Patrick Mahomes | Ankle | FP |
CB Trent McDuffie | Knee | FP |
LT D.J. Humphries | Hamstring | FP |
DB Chamarri Conner | Shoulder | FP |
WR Nikko Remigio | Wrist | FP |
FB Carson Steele | Hip | FP |
KEY: DNP = Did not participate | LP = Limited participation | FP = Full participation | NIR = Not injury related
Observations:
- Chris Jones logging a full practice is an excellent sign that he'll be playing in this game. Jones injured his calf against the Texans back in Week 16 and sat out the Chiefs' Christmas Day game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, as well as Week 18 against Denver with all the other starters.
- Jaylen Watson also appears to be making his return from an ankle injury that he suffered back in Week 7. He has practiced for about two weeks now since K.C. opened his 21-day practice window. Coach Andy Reid did mention while speaking to the media on Tuesday that Watson may be on a bit of a snap count, but having him back in any capacity will be a boost for Chiefs' secondary.
- It looks like the Chiefs are still taking things slowly with Mecole Hardman, but even a limited practice is a step in the right direction. If he's able to practice in full in either of the next two days, he could have a shot to play this week, but he'll have to be activated off of injured reserve.
First Texans Injury Report
| Player | Injury | Tuesday |
|---|---|---|
LB Azeez Al-Shaair | Knee | DNP |
OL Shaq Mason | Knee | DNP |
OL Juice Scruggs | Ankle | DNP |
WR Robert Woods | Hip | DNP |
DL Denico Autry | Knee | LP |
TE Dalton Schultz | Shoulder | LP |
WR Nico Collins | Rest | LP |
DL Will Anderson Jr. | Hand/Elbow | FP |
OL Nick Broeker | Hand | FP |
TE Teagan Quitoriano | Calf | FP |
KEY: DNP = Did not participate | LP = Limited participation | FP = Full participation | NIR = Not injury related
Observations:
- Al-Shaair's status will be closely monitored as he is one of the leaders of Houston's defense. The Chiefs avoided him in Week 16 as Al-Shaair was serving a three-game suspension.
- It has already been reported that starting right guard Shaq Mason will not play in this game as he continues to recover from a knee injury. His backup, Juice Scruggs, also missed practice on Tuesday, so the Texans appear to be quite thin at that position heading into Saturday.
- Veteran Robert Woods also did not practice on Tuesday. With how thin the Texans are at receiver, being without Woods would not be ideal.
- Denico Autry and tight end Dalton Schultz are key players who were limited. They are both likely on track to play, but if they have a setback it would be a big blow for Houston.
