Tag: Chiefs

Chiefs HC Andy Reid reveals the injury status of Pro Bowlers before Christmas Day

Kansas City #Chiefs head coach Andy Reid reveals the injury status of Chris Jones, Patrick Mahomes and more before Week 17 | @EdEastonJr

Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid addressed the numerous injuries on his roster during Monday’s press conference, including lingering issues with Pro Bowlers ahead of the Christmas Day matchup with the Pittsburgh Steelers.

“Alright, so the guys that won’t practice today are (Chamarri) Conner,(D.J.) Humphries and Chris Jones.” said Reid. (They’re) all making improvement, but again, quick turnaround here, so we’ll just keep evaluating throughout here.”

Conner missed Week 16 after suffering a concussion in Week 15 against the Cleveland Browns, and Jones went down with a calf injury during Saturday’s victory over the Houston Texans. The All-Pro defensive tackle leads the NFL in pressures this season with 74, according to Pro Football Focus, and the Chiefs are the only team with multiple players in the top 11, with George Karlaftis having 58.

The high ankle sprain that has affected Patrick Mahomes since he injured it against the Browns is improving, according to Reid.

“He (Patrick Mahomes) did good,” said Reid. “Yeah, it’s sore, but he did well. (He’s a) pretty tough kid, man. That was an amazing thing he did.”

D.J. Humphries is still dealing with a hamstring injury and has yet to practice since injuring it in Week 14. Joe Thuney has started at left tackle in his place over the last two weeks.

Texans DB Jimmie Ward out for the season with foot injury

Jimmie Ward’s season is officially over with the Houston Texans.

Jimmie Ward’s 2024 season will end up like his 2023 one: on the injured reserved.

DeMeco Ryans confirmed on Monday at the Houston Texans defensive back will undergo season-ending foot surgery after being carted off in Saturday’s 27-19 loss against the Kansas City Chiefs.

Ward is expected to make a full recovery and should be cleared for offseason workouts. The Texans must make up for his absence on a short week when they take on the Baltimore Ravens on Christmas Day.

Just before halftime, Ward tried to make a tackle on Chiefs running back Kareem Hunt before landing awkwardly on his foot. He was taken back to the locker room for further examination before traveling back with the team.

Ward’s absence might be the biggest hit to the defense because of his position flexibility. Initially starting the season at safety, the veteran defensive back shifted down to the nickel position out of necessity following a season-ending injury to third-year starter Jalen Pitre.

Where do the Texans go from here? There are several options. Rookie Kamari Lassiter was drafted with the intent to start at the nickel position and did see reps this past week inside once Ward went out. Houston would shift former No. 3 overall pick Jeff Okudah to the outside opposite Derek Stingley Jr.

The Texans could also start Myles Bryant inside, leaving Lassiter on the edge to win his one-on-one battles.

Ward ends his 2024 season with 48 tackles, four pass breakups and two interceptions in 10 games.

Kickoff from NRG Stadium is scheduled for 3:30 p.m.

Steelers should consider the playoffs over Christmas Day win

Winning in the playoffs is more important than an AFC North championship and a win over the Chiefs.

From the moment the Pittsburgh Steelers clinched a spot in the AFC playoffs, sights were set on winning the AFC North. But now, with two games left to play, a banged up Steelers team might want to look at the big picture and a more important goal.

This week the Steelers are taking on the Kansas City Chiefs on Christmas Day on a short week and have a long list of injured players. First instinct is for the Steelers to get as many of the injured players back on the field to try and beat the top team in the AFC.

But is that really what’s important?

Even at full strength, it’s a longshot for the Steelers to get past the Chiefs who seem to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat every week. This, coupled with a huge Week 18 game against division rival the Cincinnati Bengals might prompt the team to hold back this week and make sure everyone is ready for that final game and more importantly the playoffs.

The Steelers haven’t won a playoff game since 2016  and this team at full health is more than capable of breaking that streak. It’s unlikely the Ravens will lose to the Browns in Week 18 so the Bengals game is a must-win if the AFC North is the goal. But bigger than that, finally getting that elusive playoff win must trump everything else.

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Chiefs DC Steve Spagnuolo appreciates rookie defensive back’s growth: ‘What we hoped for’

Kansas City #Chiefs defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo appreciates rookie Jaden Hicks’ growth: ‘What we hoped for’ | @EdEastonJr

Kansas City Chiefs defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo has enjoyed his unit’s success, slowing down opponents over the past two games. He singled out praise to rookie defensive back Jaden Hicks’ contributions In recent weeks.

“I think his growth process and curve has been really what we expected and really what we hoped for. i think he has just gotten better and better and better. I think he gets more confident every week. You know what i really like about him?” said Spagnuolo. “When we go through these walk-throughs, and we’re sitting there, and it’s more mental, he is into every snap, whether it’s a walk through its regular practice rep.”

Hicks secured his second consecutive week with an interception during Saturday’s victory over the Houston Texans. He has made the most of his time in the lineup, taking advantage of opportunities to grab takeaways when he is used as an additional defensive back.

“He’s anticipating things pre-snap. He’s doing all those things that you want your safe needs to do from a mental standpoint; that’s encouraging,” said Spagnuolo. “He’s gone out there and made a couple of plays on the ball, so that’s helpful.”

The regular season is winding down, and Hicks, as a rookie, is stepping his game up in preparation for his first postseason experience. He will be relied on more as he continues to make plays in the secondary weekly.

Chiefs OC Matt Nagy compares rookie standout to Rashee Rice: ‘You see more production’

Kansas City #Chiefs offensive coordinator Matt Nagy compares Xavier Worthy to Rashee Rice: ‘You see more production’ | @EdEastonJr

The Kansas City Chiefs remain atop the NFL record-wise, largely thanks to the contributions of their young players, including rookie wide receiver Xavier Worthy. Chiefs offensive coordinator Matt Nagy spoke with reporters via Zoom on Sunday about Worthy reminding him of Rashee Rice’s rookie campaign last year.

“Consistently productive player confidence and the game is slowing down for him (Xavier Worthy). It reminds me so much of Rashee (Rice) last year.” Said Nagy. “It’s crazy how much it reminds me of that same type of avenue that Rashee went through last year; it was a little slow for the first four or five, six weeks, and then weeks like 7,8,9, 10. You can sense it. You might not see it in a stat book, but you can sense it as a coach.”

Worthy was productive for a second consecutive week, scoring a touchdown in the victories. He finished Saturday’s game against the Houston Texans with seven catches for 65 yards and the touchdown to lead the team.

“You can sense it from watching tape, and now all of a sudden, you naturally see more targets, you see more touches, you see more production.” Said Nagy. “It’s exactly what happened with Rashee, and I’m telling you, it’s crazy how similar it is, and it’s exciting because you see what Rashee came into this year, what he did early on, and I think that’s, that’s the path for this kid.”

Worthy’s confidence is displayed in his attack on the ball in the air, even if he accidentally disrupted a pass meant for Travis Kelce in the endzone during Saturday’s win.

NFL playoff picture: Where the Chargers stand after Week 16

Find out how the win over the Broncos affected the Chargers’ chances of making the playoffs and their current seeding.

The Chargers beat the Broncos last Sunday. They improved to 9-6, as did their chances of making the playoffs.

According to NFL.com, Los Angeles has a 95% chance of making the playoffs. With the Bolts’ win, they bumped back to the sixth seed, and the Broncos moved down into the seventh seed.

The Chargers can clinch a spot in the playoffs with a win over the Patriots next Sunday.

Here’s a look at the division standings after Week 16:

1. Chiefs (14-1) *clinched division*

2. Chargers (9-6)

3. Broncos (9-6)

4. Raiders (3-12)

And a look at the playoff picture:

*There are (7) available Playoff spots

1. Chiefs (14-1)

2. Bills (12-3)

3. Steelers (10-5)

4. Texans (9-6)

5. Ravens (10-5)

6. Chargers (9-6)

7. Broncos (9-6)

8. Colts (7-8)

9. Dolphins (7-8)

10. Bengals (7-8)

AFC playoff matchups if the season ended today:

  • No. 2 Bills vs. No. 7 Broncos
  • No. 3 Steelers vs. No. 6 Chargers
  • No. 4 Texans vs. No. 5 Ravens

Chargers pegged as potential landing spot for recently-waived wide receiver

The Chargers would be wise to upgrade their wide receiver room ahead of the playoffs.

The Chargers should look to improve their roster in any way they can ahead of the playoffs, and one positional room they could look to do so is at wide receiver.

According to NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport, Los Angeles is someone to watch for WR Diontae Johnson, who was waived by the Ravens this past week.

Rapoport also cited the Chiefs and the Steelers as the two other potential landing spots for the wideout.

The Chargers are the highest of the three teams mentioned by waiver order. L.A. is No. 21 in waiver priority, followed by Pittsburgh at No. 25 and Kansas City at No. 32.

Johnson, a third-round draft pick in 2019 by the Steelers, has amassed 422 catches for 4,726 yards and 28 touchdowns for Pittsburgh, the Panthers and Baltimore.

Johnson’s most productive season came back in 2021 when he totaled 107 catches for 1,161 yards and eight touchdowns.

Johnson would provide the Chargers’ wide receiver room with a playmaker with refined route-running skills who can create after the catch.

Ladd McConkey leads the group in receiving with 960 yards, and there is a big gap, with Joshua Palmer next with 543 yards, followed by Quentin Johnston with 477 yards.

Johnson can be claimed by a team starting Monday at 1 p.m. PT. Also, he has a minimum salary, so he is effectively a no-cost option for the Chargers if they choose to add him.

Houston Texans schedule: Are the Texans playing today?

Are the Texans playing today? Here’s a look at the schedule and the games to come. 

Will the Houston Texans take the field today in Week 16 of the NFL football schedule?

Houston returns home Sunday after being one of two four teams to play on Saturday as part of an NFL doubleheader. Unlike the Baltimore Ravens, who clinched a spot in the playoffs following a 34-17 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers, the Texans lost to the Kansas City Chiefs, 27-19 at Arrowhead Stadium.

The Texans enter fight-or-flight mode on three days’ rest. In Sunday’s defeat, Houston lost starting wide receiver Tank Dell, starting safety Jimmie Ward, and starting offensive lineman Shaq Mason due to injury. Dell, who was carted off in the third quarter, reportedly dislocated his kneecap and likely won’t play again in 2024.

Following a holiday hoedown against the Ravens, the Texans hit the road on Jan. 6 to take on the Tennessee Titans at Nissan Stadium. Should the Texans win out, they’d finish with an 11-6 record, marking their best record since 2012.

At 9-6, the Texans currently lead the AFC South by three games.

Houston Texans 2024 schedule

  • Week 1: at Indianapolis (W, 29-27)
  • Week 2: vs. Chicago (W, 19-13)
  • Week 3: at Minnesota (L, 34-7)
  • Week 4: vs. Jacksonville (W, 24-20)
  • Week 5: vs. Buffalo (W, 23-20)
  • Week 6: at New England (W, 41-21)
  • Week 7: at Green Bay (L, 24-22)
  • Week 8: vs. Indianapolis (W, 23-20)
  • Week 9: at New York Jets (L, 21-13)
  • Week 10: vs. Detroit (L, 26-23)
  • Week 11: at Dallas (W, 34-10)
  • Week 12: vs. Tennessee (L, 32-27)
  • Week 13: at Jacksonville (W, 23-20)
  • Week 14: Bye
  • Week 15: vs. Miami (W, 20-12)
  • Week 16: at Kansas City (L, 27-19)
  • Week 17: vs. Baltimore
  • Week 18: at Tennessee
  • Record: 9-6

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Chiefs WR Marquise ‘Hollywood’ Brown made a positive impact in his season debut

Kansas City #Chiefs wide receiver Marquise ‘Hollywood’ Brown made a positive impact in his season debut | @EdEastonJr

The Kansas City Chiefs finally activated veteran wide receiver Marquise ‘Hollywood’ Brown for action this season during Saturday’s matchup with the Houston Texans. After an extensive recovery process from a preseason shoulder injury, Brown impressed his coaches and teammates with his efficient performance.

“He (Hollywood Brown) had the big fourth down one (play),” said head coach Andy Reid during his postgame press conference. “The great thing about all those guys (the receivers) is that they all want to play (but) we just have one ball. I try to explain that to them and they all want to go make the play – and he’s like that. He loves playing, and he knew he was doing well in there and just wanted more – he was feeling well, I should’ve said, not doing well, but feeling well.”

Brown finished the victory over Houston with five catches for 45 yards, an average of nine yards per reception. The synergy he built with Patrick Mahomes in the offseason was displayed as the reigning Super Bowl MVP told reporters on Saturday.

“I thought he (Hollywood Brown) did a great job. I missed him here and there on a couple (of) throws, but I thought he was getting open; he was winning against man coverage, which is huge,” said Mahomes. “He’s a couple throws away from having a really, really big game – just getting him in there and getting the football in his hands and getting where he can feel confident and running through tackles and stuff like that. I thought he did a great job of that, and we’ll get him involved more and more as the season goes on.”

Playing alongside Xavier Worthy and DeAndre Hopkins, Brown will ideally create matchup problems for the defense. Mahomes is playing with a high ankle sprain but was still able to find multiple receivers open due to an extra playmaker’s presence.

Chiefs CB Trent McDuffie reflects on defensive performance vs. Texans: ‘Everybody just stuck together’

Kansas City #Chiefs CB Trent McDuffie reflects on defensive performance vs. Houston #Texans: ‘Everybody just stuck together’ | @EdEastonJr

The Kansas City Chiefs defense has increased their takeaways over the last two games, adding a missing dynamic from earlier in the season. All-Pro cornerback Trent McDuffie described the group’s energy during his postgame press conference after Saturday’s victory.

“I felt it. The energy with the team, the offense putting up points and controlling the ball, the defense making stops,” said McDuffie. “We let up a few third-and-longs, which we were disappointed with. Overall, everybody just stuck together. The energy was there on the sideline; you could just tell that guys were trying to get back in the groove of things. For me, it was really exciting to be a part of that.”

McDuffie secured another interception in Saturday’s victory over the Houston Texans, less than a week from getting his first career pick. He appreciated the coaching staff for preparing players for a short week.

“(Defensive Coordinator) Coach (Steve Spagnuolo) Spags has a big emphasis on the first drive and the last drive of every half,” said McDuffie. “Going back to the coaches during the week, we spent a lot of time in two minute and in situational (football), just making sure we know what we’re doing but also what they’re going to attack us with. I felt like, over the course of the year we’ve been hit with a few different things, but now that we’re getting to the later part of the year, we know what teams try to attack us with. Guys are starting to get comfortable with our play calls and trying to execute the calls correctly.”

The Chiefs’ defense has eight takeaways in two weeks, increasing its pressure and sacks of opposing quarterbacks. Over the next few days, they will prepare for the elusive Russell Wilson and the Pittsburgh Steelers on Christmas Day.