The Kansas City Chiefs have completed their final practice session before their Week 16 game against the Houston Texans at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.
Everyone awaits news on star QB Patrick Mahomes, who is dealing with a “mild” high ankle sprain. His practice participation so far this week has suggested he’ll play and the latest information from those in charge suggests that as well. Speaking to reporters after practice on Thursday, Chiefs HC Andy Reid confirmed who will be the team’s starting QB for Week 16. He also confirmed the return of the team’s top free-agent acquisition from the offseason.
“Alright, as far as guys that did practice today, it was Chamarri [Conner] and D.J. [Humphries], and then the rest of the guys were out there working. I know the questions are about Patrick. He worked out this week, full, and he’ll most likely end up playing. We’ll just see how things worked out today.”
Regarding Hollywood Brown’s status, Reid said there is “a good chance” he will be activated to the 53-man roster for Week 16. The team also released RB Clyde Edwards-Helaire, freeing up roster space for Brown’s return.
“He’s done a nice job,” Reid said. “I mentioned earlier it wasn’t his leg, so he’s been able to run, keep himself in running shape. But the rest of it, where surgery was at, it looked good.”
Reid further elaborated on Mahomes’ ankle and what he saw from him during the practice week.
“He did look good out there,” Reid said. “He moved around pretty good. So you’re always looking to make sure they can get out the way, not to further any harm to him.”
Asked whether he would have expected this just days ago, Reid was honest with his answer to reporters.
“I wasn’t sure,” Reid said. “I’ve been through it with him before, and he amazes me every time he does. I mean, the guy, he’s so mentally tough and just, it’s a mindset that he has going into it. And so, where he was a few days ago, yeah, I’d probably say it was a long shot, but he’s done well with it.”
After media availability, Reid typically meets with the training staff and front office staff to go over plans for injury designations and personnel decisions like signings, injured reserve activations, and practice squad elevations.
Below you’ll find a look at each of the final injury reports for both teams, complete with game status designations. . .
Final Chiefs Injury Report
| Player | Injury | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Designation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DB Chamarri Conner | Concussion | DNP | DNP | DNP | OUT |
| LT D.J. Humphries | Hamstring | DNP | DNP | DNP | OUT |
| WR Hollywood Brown | Shoulder | FP | FP | FP | — |
| C Creed Humphrey | Ankle | FP | FP | FP | — |
| K Harrison Butker | Left knee | FP | FP | FP | — |
| QB Patrick Mahomes | Ankle | FP | FP | FP | — |
| RT Jawaan Taylor | Knee | FP | FP | FP | — |
KEY: DNP = Did not participate | LP = Limited participation | FP = Full participation | NIR = Not injury related
Observations:
- With Chamarri Conner officially ruled out, look for a specific rookie to step up in his place in Week 16.
Final Texans Injury Report
| Player | Injury | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Designation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DT Foley Fatukasi | Ankle | DNP | DNP | DNP | OUT |
| WR John Metchie | Shoulder | DNP | DNP | DNP | OUT |
| QB Davis Mills | Illness | DNP | FP | FP | — |
| LB Del’Shawn Phillips | Foot | DNP | LP | FP | — |
| C.G Juice Scruggs | Foot | DNP | DNP | DNP | OUT |
| TE Cade Stover | Illness | DNP | DNP | DNP | OUT |
| RB Joe Mixon | NIR (Rest) | LP | LP | LP | — |
| G Kenyon Green | Shoulder | FP | FP | FP | — |
| G Nick Broeker | Hand | — | FP | FP | — |
| LB Christian Harris | Ankle | — | — | DNP | Questionable |
KEY: DNP = Did not participate | LP = Limited participation | FP = Full participation | NIR = Not injury related
Observations:
- Fatukasi, Stover, Metchie, and Scruggs are all considered starters or key backups.
- Harris is a late addition to the injury report. He just had his 2024 debut in Week 15 after missing all of the preseason and the first 14 weeks of the regular season with a leg injury.
