Depleted Kansas City Chiefs continue to make confusing decisions with Week 17 inactive players list vs. Denver Broncos on Christmas

The Kansas City Chiefs and Denver Broncos have released inactive player lists for Week 17’s Christmas Day game.

Charles Goldman — NFL Managing Editor
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The Kansas City Chiefs are set to host the Denver Broncos on Christmas Day in Week 17 for their regular-season home finale at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.

It’s an uphill battle for the Chiefs with six starters on injured reserve, and several other key contributors injured. They don’t have the postseason left to play for, but they certainly wouldn’t complain about upsetting a rival on Christmas night. The Broncos, on the other hand, have a lot left to play for with top conference seeding and the AFC West division still within reach. They’re dealing with some injuries of their own, which could keep this game competitive on a short week.

Here’s a quick look at the inactive players for each team on Thursday night.

Chiefs’ inactive players for Week 17

  • DE Ethan Downs
  • DE Tyreke Smith
  • CB Melvin Smith
  • OT Jaylon Moore
  • DT Derrick Nnadi
  • OL C.J. Hanson
  • RB Dameon Pierce

Instead of getting a look at some young and recently-promoted players like Ethan Downs, Tyreke Smith, Melvin Smith, and Dameon Pierce, the Chiefs are rolling with some key veterans.

I’d expect that changes in Week 18’s game against the Las Vegas Raiders, but there’s simply no reason not to get a look at what you have in some of these practice squad players to find out if they’re capable of contributing in 2026 and beyond.

Broncos’ inactive players for Week 17

  • TE Nate Adkins
  • WR Pat Bryant
  • LB Dre Greenlaw
  • OLB Que Robinson
  • DL Jordan Jackson
  • DL Sai’Vion Jones
  • OL Geron Christian

Bryant and Greenlaw are pretty notable losses for Denver. The Broncos also placed starting C Luke Wattenberg on injured reserve today, which means Alex Forsythe or Quinn Meinerz will slide over and play center.

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