The Kansas City Chiefs, like the Pittsburgh Steelers, will stagger into a Week 17 matchup against the two teams.
The Pittsburgh Steelers have suffered numerous injuries in recent weeks. They are not alone in this situation, as their Christmas Day opponent, the Kansas City Chiefs, are currently dealing with their fair share of bumps and bruises.
Defensive tackle Chris Jones (calf), wide receiver Xavier Worthy (ankle), offensive tackle Jawann Taylor (knee), and linebacker Jack Cochrane (ankle) all suffered injuries in Kansas City’s win over the Houston Texans on Saturday afternoon, casting doubt on their collective availability for Wednesday’s game against Pittsburgh in a short week.
Jones, who has been considered as one of the NFL’s top defensive players for the better part of a decade, suffered the injury in the fourth quarter. Chiefs head coach Andy Reid labeled it as a strain, and it’s unknown whether he’ll be ready to face the Steelers.
The five-time Pro Bowler and two-time All-Pro has five sacks this season, along with 30 total tackles, nine of which have been for losses, and a forced fumble.
Worthy, who was taken with the 28th choice in the first round of the 2024 draft, had a career-high six receptions for 65 yards and a touchdown against Houston. He left with an injury in the second quarter, but returned after halftime and has been available since, so he should be fine against the Steelers.
Reid also described Taylor’s injury as a strain after being pulled in the third quarter of Saturday’s game. The 27-year-old has been on the Chiefs’ injury report since Week 13 due to a knee issue, but he has yet to miss a game this season or in his six-year career.
Taylor plays the right tackle position and has made 15 starts this season. Kansas City’s depth has already been tested after left tackle D.J. Humphries was sidelined against Houston due to a hamstring injury, leaving Wanya Morris and second-round rookie Kingsley Suamataia as the team’s most likely options at the two positions if the former pair of players can’t return to the field in the coming days.
According to Reid, Cochrane fractured his ankle, which could spell the end of his season. The special teams ace played 306 snaps, recording five tackles.
The Chiefs are now 14-1 and need one more win or a Buffalo Bills loss to clinch the AFC’s top seed.
Thus, Kansas City may take a conservative approach by resting some of its players and not risk jeopardizing their health with such little time before facing the Steelers.
Pittsburgh, on the other hand, has seen their AFC North lead slip away after a loss to the Baltimore Ravens on Saturday, leaving both clubs with a 10-5 record.
Though the Steelers have won a postseason berth, they are currently on a two-game losing slide and would prefer not to slip any farther.
Cornerback Joey Porter Jr. (knee) and wide receiver Ben Skowronek (hip) both suffered injuries against Baltimore while cornerback Donte Jackson (back), defensive tackle Larry Ogunjobi (groin), quarterback Justin Fields (abdominal), safety DeShon Elliott (hamstring) and wide receiver George Pickens (hamstring) all didn’t make an appearance with pre-existing wounds.
Pittsburgh needs to get off the schneid quickly, and the hope is that it can return several key pieces whom are currently on the mend for its bout with the reigning Super Bowl champions from KC.
