With the Kansas City Chiefs set to play a Christmas Day matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers on a short week, Monday will be their only practice of the week.
The big story surrounding the team is defensive tackle Chris Jones’ calf injury. Jones strained his calf late in the Chiefs’ win over the Houston Texans on Saturday and did not return to the game. Kansas City released an estimated injury report on Sunday (estimated because the team did not hold practice) and Jones was listed as a non-participant.
Jones will not practice on Monday, putting his availability for the Chiefs’ matchup against Pittsburgh in serious doubt. Given his status as an All-Pro and a veteran, Jones doesn’t necessarily have to practice to be able to play. It’s possible that he will feel good enough to go, but the quick turn around makes it difficult. We’ll get a clearer picture of his status on Tuesday.
Let’s take a look at the Chiefs and Steelers’ full injury reports for Monday. . .
Chiefs’ Monday injury report
| Player | Injury | Participation |
|---|---|---|
|
DT Chris Jones |
Calf |
DNP |
|
LT D.J. Humphries |
Hamstring |
DNP |
|
CB Chamarri Conner |
Concussion |
DNP |
|
RT Jawaan Taylor |
Knee |
LP |
|
C Creed Humphrey |
Shoulder |
FP |
|
QB Patrick Mahomes |
Ankle |
FP |
|
S Justin Reid |
Back |
FP |
|
WR Nikko Remigio |
Knee |
FP |
|
CB Joshua Williams |
Ankle/Elbow |
FP |
|
WR Xavier Worthy |
Ankle |
FP |
|
TE Peyton Hendershot |
Calf |
FP |
KEY: DNP = Did not participate | LP = Limited participation | FP = Full participation | NIR = Not injury related
Observations:
- It doesn’t appear that Chamarri Conner is going to clear concussion protocol in time to play on Wednesday, which makes sense given the short week. He could have a chance to play in the season finale against the Denver Broncos.
- It’s looking like D.J. Humphries will miss his third game in a row. Hamstring injuries can be tricky and require plenty of rest. If he’s still in the Chiefs’ plans to be the starting left tackle, hopefully he can play against Denver in Week 18 so he can knock some rust off.
- Jawaan Taylor was listed as limited for the second consecutive day. The fact that he is at least at practice is a positive sign, but we’ll have to wait until Tuesday or possibly even Wednesday before we know for sure if he’ll play. If he doesn’t, Wanya Morris will likely get the nod as he did when Taylor went down against Houston on Saturday.
Steelers’ Monday injury report
| Player | Injury | Participation |
|---|---|---|
|
WR Ben Skowronek |
Hip |
DNP |
|
CB Joey Porter Jr. |
Knee |
DNP |
|
QB Justin Fields |
Abdomible |
LP |
|
WR George Pickens |
Hamstring |
FP |
|
WR Mike Williams |
Veteran rest |
FP |
|
S DeShon Elliott |
Hamstring |
FP |
|
CB Donte Jackson |
Back |
FP |
|
LB Tyler Matakevich |
knee |
FP |
|
LB Elandon Roberts |
Veteran rest |
FP |
|
OL Isaac Seumalo |
Veteran rest |
FP |
|
LB T.J. Watt |
Veteran rest |
FP |
|
DT Cameron Heyward |
Veteran rest |
FP |
|
DT Larry Ogunjobi |
Groin |
FP |
KEY: DNP = Did not participate | LP = Limited participation | FP = Full participation | NIR = Not injury related
Observations:
- Star wide receiver George Pickens is on track to make his return from a hamstring injury that cost him the last two games. That will be a huge boost for the Steelers’ offense, which has struggled without him.
- It appears that cornerback Joey Porter Jr. will miss this game with a knee injury that he suffered against the Baltimore Ravens on Saturday. That will be a major blow to an already ailing Pittsburgh secondary. The Chiefs will have to capitalize with their passing game.
