Chiefs’ inactive players for Week 18 vs. Raiders reveals RB Dameon Pierce will get his much anticipated Kansas City debut
A few more starters are out for the Kansas City Chiefs, paving the way for some young players to make their debut.
The Kansas City Chiefs are in Sin City to face the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 18 at Allegiant Stadium for what will be their final game of the 2025 NFL season.
As the Chiefs look to finish the 2025 NFL season strong and keep their winning streak in Allegiant Stadium alive, they’ll be shorthanded at several positions due to injury and illness. For several players, this game could be their last ever to wear a Chiefs uniform. On the flip side, many expect the Raiders to lay down and intentionally tank this game to secure the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. They’ll also be extraordinarily shorthanded this week, with multiple star players out due to injuries.
Here’s a quick look at the inactive players for each team ahead of Sunday’s game.
Chiefs’ inactive players for Week 18
- RG Trey Smith
- WR Xavier Worthy
- DE George Karlaftis
- RB Isiah Pacheco
- CB Melvin Smith
- DE Tyreke Smith
- DT Mike Pennel
As expected, the Chiefs are giving WR Xavier Worthy the day off and keeping OT Jaylon Moore active. Isiah Pacheco will not be active in what could be his last game in Kansas City. Instead, RB Dameon Pierce will be active for the game, marking a highly anticipated debut for fans. The decisions with Melvin Smith and Tyreke Smith are a bit surprising, but not everyone can be active for the game.
Raiders’ inactive players for Week 18
- QB Geno Smith
- DT Adam Butler
- OG Dylan Parham
- RB Raheeem Mostert
- CB Chigozie Anusiem
- S Terrell Edmunds
- DT Brodric Martin
As expected, no Smith, Butler, Parham, or Mostert for the Raiders in the regular-season finale. Kenny Pickett will get the start in place of Smith, but Aidan O’Connell is expected to see playing time as well. Martin, a former member of the Chiefs’ 2025 practice squad, won’t play on Sunday either. Keep in mind that players like TE Brock Bowers and DE Maxx Crosby are on injured reserve for Las Vegas.
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