Chiefs' Thursday injury report for Broncos
The Kansas City Chiefs had a small injury report to start the practice week on Wednesday, but it seems that circumstances have changed in just a day's time. Not only do the Chiefs have a new addition to the injury report, but they've downgraded a key offensive player's practice participation. According to Chiefs public relations, a trio of […]
The Kansas City Chiefs had a small injury report to start the practice week on Wednesday, but it seems that circumstances have changed in just a day's time. Not only do the Chiefs have a new addition to the injury report, but they've downgraded a key offensive player's practice participation.
According to Chiefs public relations, a trio of players are set to miss practice on Thursday. LB Nick Bolton (wrist) has just returned from his Surgery in Los Angeles. Veteran RB Jerick McKinnon (groin) is sitting out practice after participating in full on Wednesday. Finally, K Harrison Butker (illness) is set to miss Thursday's practice.
What does it all mean for the Chiefs ahead of their Week 8 tilt with the Denver Broncos? We'll break it down for you below:
Harrison Butker's illness
The Chiefs aren't predicting a long-term absence for Harrison Butker, it's possible that he could even wind up playing on Sunday should he feel better. If he doesn't play on Sunday, it doesn't sound as if Kansas City is considering bringing in another kicker. Chiefs special teams coordinator Dave Toub confirmed that S Justin Reid would be taking the kicking reps in practice on Thursday afternoon.
Reid filled in for Butker in Week 1 of the 2022 NFL season when he suffered an ankle injury against the Arizona Cardinals. He's done some cross-training at the kicker position during this past offseason as well so he's always available in case of an emergency.
Toub referred to Reid as the team's "backup plan." He emphasized that he feels confident in his ability to fill in for a single game, especially one at Empower Field at Mile High Stadium, where his range will get a bump in the thin air of Denver.
Jerick McKinnon a non-participant
After participating fully during the first practice session of the week, McKinnon will be labeled as a non-participant on Thursday. This typically indicates an injury that happened or was aggravated during the practice session.
If McKinnon can't go on Sunday, it'd be a big loss for Kansas City. He's the team's top running back in pass protection. Isiah Pacheco and Clyde Edwards-Helaire don't come close in that regard. La'Mical Perine could be elevated from the practice squad if McKinnon is unable to go in Week 8.
Check back later for the latest injury report from practice:
| Player | Injury | Wednesday | Thursday |
|---|---|---|---|
LB Nick Bolton | Wrist | DNP | DNP |
S Mike Edwards | Elbow | FP | FP |
RB Jerick McKinnon | Groin | FP | DNP |
WR Justin Watson | Elbow | FP | FP |
K Harrison Butker | Illness | – | DNP |
KEY: DNP = Did not participate | LP = Limited participation | FP = Full participation | NIR = Not injury related
Observations:
- No surprises based on what the team reported ahead of practice.
- Nick Bolton could be placed on IR by Saturday if the team expects him to miss more than four weeks.
For more information on the Broncos' injury situation, check here.
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