New development on Chiefs’ Thursday injury report for Week 15 vs. Chargers could lead to increased snaps for a rookie

The Chiefs were without LB Nick Bolton on Thursday, and it could setup rookie LB Jeffrey Bassa for more snaps in Week 15.

Charles Goldman NFL Managing Editor
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The Kansas City Chiefs and Los Angeles Chargers have released their Thursday injury report ahead of Week 15’s game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.

The Chiefs wore helmets for one of the more strenuous practices of the week on Thursday. They had one player back at practice after he missed what was a light day on Wednesday. They also had an entirely new defensive starter absent on Thursday, which could pave the way for some defensive snaps for one particular rookie.

Here’s a quick breakdown of the second injury reports for each team in Week 15.

Chiefs’ Thursday injury report for Week 15

PlayerInjuryWeds./Thurs./Fri.
WR Rashee RiceHamstringFP/FP/
QB Patrick MahomesKneeFP/FP/
RG Trey SmithAnkleFP/LP
RT Jawaan TaylorKnee / TricepsDNP/
TE Noah GrayShoulderFP/FP/
CB Trent McDuffieKneeLP/LP
S Bryan CookAnkleFP/FP/
WR Nikko RemigioConcussionFP/FP/
WR Juju Smith-SchusterRibFP/FP/
OT Wanya MorrisKneeDNP/DNP/
WR Hollywood BrownNIR (Personal)DNP/LP/
LB Nick BoltonIllness–/DNP/

Observations

  • Right guard Trey Smith going from a full participant to a limited participant isn’t great, but it doesn’t necessarily mean he had any setback. It could be a matter of planning with the extent and rigor of practice on Tuesday.
  • Wide receiver Hollywood Brown was back at practice after missing Wednesday’s practice for personal reasons.
  • Linebacker Nick Bolton missed practice with an illness despite being a full participant in practice on Wednesday. He’s the type who doesn’t necessarily need to practice to play, as he’s in the circle of trust with Steve Spagnuolo. That said, his absence on Thursday likely paved the way for rookie LB Jeffrey Bassa to see some snaps in practice that he probably wouldn’t have otherwise had. It definitely bears monitoring heading into the final practice of Week 15.
  • Another limited practice for Trent McDuffie isn’t exactly progress. His absence in Week 15 would change a lot about the team’s game plan.

Chargers’ Thursday injury report for Week 15

PlayerInjuryWeds./Thurs./Fri.
WR Keenan AllenNIR (Rest)DNP/FP
WR Derius DavisAnkleDNP/DNP
TE Will DisslyShoulderLP/FP
LB Troy DyeHipDNP/DNP
QB Justin HerbertLeft handLP/LP
OLB Khalil MackNIR (Rest)DNP/FP
WR Ladd McConkeyFootLP/LP
DB Elijah MoldenHamstringDNP/DNP
G/T Trey Pipkins IIIAnkleDNP/DNP

Observations

  • The Chargers are tracking to be without their starting return specialist, their starting strong safety, and their current right tackle starter, in addition to key depth at the linebacker position.
  • I get the sense that the Chargers are just being cautious with Ladd McConkey and Justin Herbert regarding their limited practice participation. That doesn’t mean those injuries won’t affect this game, though.