Chiefs rookie LB Willie Gay Jr. suffers leg injury on third defensive snap of Week 17

Gay is questionable to return and the Kansas City Chiefs now have just two healthy linebackers active for Week 17.

The Kansas City Chiefs had an unfortunate injury to start the Week 17 game against the Los Angeles Chargers. He’s been ruled questionable to return to the game.

Fan-favorite rookie linebacker Willie Gay Jr. played just three defensive snaps before suffering an injury. It appeared to be a lower-body injury and the team confirmed a leg/ankle injury. He was helped off the field while limping, receiving treatment from the training staff on the sideline.

Gay was slated to see a lot of snaps in Week 17 after recording a career-high in snaps the week prior against the Atlanta Falcons. Fans have been clamoring for more snaps for the rookie as he’s one of the most athletic linebackers on the team.

The Chiefs entered the Week 17 game with just Darius Harris, Damien Wilson and Gay active at the linebacker position. That means the team is dangerously thin at the linebacker position and another injury could require some extreme creativity on the part of defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo.

For now, they’re going to be utilizing a lot of nickel and dime subpackage looks with just two linebackers, even when they should be matching a 21 and 22 personnel. We could also see Tanoh Kpassagnon come in and play some SAM linebacker if necessary.

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