Kansas City Chiefs appear significantly healthier than Buffalo Bills in first injury report ahead of AFC Championship Game
The Kansas City Chiefs started their first practice session of the week, ahead of the AFC Championship Game against the Buffalo Bills, with the best news possible. Chiefs head coach Andy Reid took the podium for his media availability and informed reporters of the team's favorable injury situation. "As far as the injuries go, there's nobody […]
The Kansas City Chiefs started their first practice session of the week, ahead of the AFC Championship Game against the Buffalo Bills, with the best news possible.
Chiefs head coach Andy Reid took the podium for his media availability and informed reporters of the team's favorable injury situation.
"As far as the injuries go, there's nobody to really mention," Reid said. "Everybody will practice today."
This echoed what Reid told reporters on Saturday evening and Monday afternoon about the injury situation. This team is not only healthy, but it's healthier than it was even heading into the AFC divisional round matchup against the Houston Texans.
On the other hand, the Bills are dealing with some injuries on the defensive side of the ball. Sean McDermott told reporters that S Taylor Rapp would not practice on Wednesday and is considered "day-to-day." CB Christian Benford is in the NFL's concussion protocol and was expected to participate in practice only in a limited capacity. LB Matt Milano was also expected to be limited due to what is being described as "hamstring soreness."
Here's a look at the first injury reports of the week for both teams. . .
Chiefs' first injury report:
| Player | Injury | Wednesday |
|---|---|---|
G Mike Caliendo | Shoulder | FP |
QB Patrick Mahomes | Ankle | FP |
RT Jawaan Taylor | Knee | FP |
CB Jaylen Watson | Ankle | FP |
KEY: DNP = Did not participate | LP = Limited participation | FP = Full participation | NIR = Not injury related
Observations:
- The only "new" injury on the report is Mike Caliendo, who was a full participant in practice but has a shoulder injury. You don't want him playing at half-strength because he's already looked outmatched on occasion. It doesn't appear to be a significant injury, but it bears monitoring, given that the team could move Joe Thuney back inside and switch to D.J. Humphries at left tackle.
Bills' first injury report:
| Player | Injury | Wednesday |
|---|---|---|
CB Christian Benford | Concussion | LP |
OT Dion Dawkins | Illness | DNP |
S Damar Hamlin | Rib | FP |
CB Taron Johnson | Neck/Shoulder | FP |
TE Dalton Kincaid | Knee | FP |
DB Cam Lewis | Shoulder | FP |
C Connor McGovern | Shoulder | FP |
LB Matt Milano | Biceps/Hamstring | LP |
S Taylor Rapp | Back/Hip | DNP |
DE Greg Rousseau | Finger | FP |
LB Dorian Williams | Elbow | FP |
KEY: DNP = Did not participate | LP = Limited participation | FP = Full participation | NIR = Not injury related
Observations:
- Dion Dawkins is the only player besides the three aforementioned who was not a full participant in practice. He missed practice due to sickness and is likely to be back this week.
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