Tag: Chiefs

Chiefs DT Chris Jones praises veteran’s impact: ‘Vital for our defensive line’s success’

Kansas City #Chiefs DT Chris Jones praises Charles Omenihu’s impact: ‘Vital for our defensive line’s success’ | @EdEastonJr

The Kansas City Chiefs defense had its most productive game in Week 15’s victory over the Cleveland Browns. Multiple players with sacks and interceptions included veteran defensive lineman Charles Omenihu.

Chiefs defensive tackle Chris Jones spoke with reporters on Wednesday about Omenihu’s getting his first sack as necessary to motivate him for the postseason run.

“Well, the big relief (is that) Charles (Omenihu) got his first sack. We were able to make sure Charles got a sack and make sure you got in the rhythm,” said Jones. “We definitely need Charles playing his best, especially towards the end of the year, and creep up into the playoff. It can be vital for our defensive line success. I think he’s continuing to do that; Tershawn Wharton is playing some of his best ball right now. And got to keep George (Karlaftis) at it.”

Omenihu recorded his first sack since returning from injury two weeks ago. He now has eight sacks since joining the Chiefs in 2023. He missed six games to start last season due to suspension but still finished with ten sacks.

Chiefs Dave Toub takes the blame for missed field goal vs. Browns: ‘That was my fault’

Kansas City #Chiefs Dave Toub takes the blame for missed field goal vs. Browns: ‘That was my fault’ | @EdEastonJr

Harrison Butker’s return last Sunday was an encouraging sign as he continues to regain strength ahead of the postseason. However, he missed a field goal in the victory over the Cleveland Browns, causing some concern that he may not be healthy enough to be in the lineup.

Chiefs special teams coordinator Dave Toub immediately dismissed that as the reason and laid the blame on his in-game decision, which he explained to reporters on Wednesday.

“I’ll just talk about the miss. I need to do a better job of communicating with the holder and the snapper. You know that we were going to kick the field goal. I just assumed they were together, but they weren’t.” said Toub. “That was my fault. So I mean that that little bit of a change where Harrison’s panicking, where are they? You know? I mean that that has an effect.”

Butker returned after missing several weeks due to surgery on his non-kicking leg, and the Chiefs used two different kickers in his absence.

“So it wasn’t his injury. I don’t think that had anything to do with it,” said Toub. “I just think anything, anytime you get an operation out of sync, like that, whether they have to rush or somebody’s not there, it’s that puts a toll on it, and I think that’s what happened there, you know, I’ll take the glow I was my fault. Get those guys out there. I can’t assume that they’re right together.”

Butker will have a chance to redeem the miss this Saturday back home at Arrowhead Stadium.

Chiefs will wear a festive uniform patch for the NFL Holiday Remix games

Kansas City #Chiefs will wear a festive uniform patch for the NFL Holiday Remix games | @EdEastonJr

The Kansas City Chiefs are part of a new tradition of having teams play on Christmas Day. The Saturday before, they will receive their unique uniform patch.

To celebrate the occasion, the four competing teams in the NFL Holiday Remix—the Baltimore Ravens, Houston Texans, Kansas City Chiefs, and Pittsburgh Steelers—will wear a festive, holiday-inspired uniform patch during their games on Saturday, Dec. 21, and again on Christmas Day. The patch features the NFL shield backed by two candy canes.

“The NFL on Christmas has become a holiday staple with families coming together to celebrate and watch NFL games,” said Tim Ellis, NFL executive vice president of marketing. “This year, we look forward to the start of a new holiday tradition with Netflix, which will be seen around the world. These holiday-inspired uniform patches are a great touch to mark this special occasion.”

The Chiefs’ matchup with the Steelers on Wednesday begins the first of a three-season partnership with Netflix to broadcast NFL games on Christmas Day. Play-by-play announcer Ian Eagle, analysts Nate Burleson and JJ Watt, and sideline reporters Melanie Collins and Stacey Dales will be on the call.

Saints sign former LSU star, ex-Chiefs first-round draft pick

The New Orleans Saints signed former LSU star Clyde Edwards-Helaire. The ex-Chiefs first-round draft pick arrives after an injury to Alvin Kamara:


The New Orleans Saints have made a move at the running back position, after Alvin Kamara’s groin injury. The team signed former LSU star Clyde Edwards-Helaire, adding depth to the running back room, announcing that defensive tackle Kendall Vickers was let go from the practice squad to make room.

Edwards-Helaire started his career with the Kansas City Chiefs as the 32nd overall pick in the 2020 NFL draft. In his first season with the team, he got off to a hot start totaling 1,100 yards from scrimmage and five touchdowns in 13 games. In the following year, Edwards-Helaire still proved to be productive in scoring six touchdowns in ten games but his yardage numbers would dip down a bit.

With the emergence of Isiah Pacheco in 2022, Edwards-Helaire saw his opportunities lessen significantly as a result and there would be more of the same in 2023. This season however, he would spend the majority on the NFI list as he’s battled with post-traumatic stress disorder.

At only 25 years old though, Edwards-Helaire likely has a lot of tread left on the tires and could provide some decent depth behind what will likely be Kendre Miller and Jamaal Williams on Monday night in Green Bay. It will be interesting to see if he’ll fit in as a spell back potentially with Kamara possibly out this week.

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DeMeco Ryans makes it clear on who the Texans must stop in Kansas City

The Texans know everything for Saturday’s game plan comes to down to stopping Kansas City Chiefs All-Pro defensive tackle Chris Jones.

The Houston Texans’ biggest weakness on offense remains the interior offensive line.

That might be the selling point for Vegas since it’s the Kansas City Chiefs’ top defensive strength.

Chris Jones is waiting at Arrowhead Stadium for his chance to take down C.J. Stroud as the Texans finish their preparation for Saturday’s game.

He already has five sacks on the year and is looking to double his total against Houston’s front five.

While the defense must be prepared to slow down Patrick Mahomes, DeMeco Ryans knows his team is in trouble if it can’t stop the two-time All-Pro defensive tackle.

“Make sure you know where ’95’ is at all times,” Ryans said Tuesday. “Chris is an outstanding player, size, strength, pass rusher ability. Not only inside, he lines up outside, can get in on the edge as well, does a great job of batting passes down. He just totally impacts the game for them, and you see why he has been a dominant defensive tackle in this league. His pure will, strength, everything about him. He is just a great player.”

Jones, 30, might not have the same sack totals as his breakout 2022 campaign, but his versatility makes him almost impossible to prepare for. This season, most of his success has come on the edge when attacking quarterbacks.

All five of his sacks have come aligned at the edge. When lined up at defensive tackle, he’s been winning against the run, totaling 11 QB hits and seven tackles for loss.

“No one can fall asleep on ’95,'” Ryans said. “You have to make sure you are aware. You have to go challenge him and you have to go compete. That is what this game is about and that is what I am most excited about, they have really good players, they have good players. Let’s put the ball down, compete and see what happens.”

The Texans offensive line has allowed 45 sacks this season, though only 17  have come off the edge. The rest comes from the interior, which could be better improved now with Tytus Howard shifted to guard.

Howard, who played Jones during his rookie season when the Texans took on Kansas City in the AFC Divisional Round, remembers how violent the do-it-all defensive lineman is when given his chance to strike.

“You gotta lock him down,” Howard said. “It’s the same thing. He’s a good player. I gotta go out there and do what I can do. I’m confident in what I can do so, gotta go out there and have a good game.”

Kickoff is scheduled for noon CT.

Chiefs vs. Texans injury report: Latest updates, news for Wednesday

Here’s the injury report from Wednesday’s practice as the Houston Texans prepare to take on the Kansas City Chiefs

Here are the full injury reports from Wednesday’s practice ahead of the Houston Texans and Kansas City Chiefs matchup at Arrowhead Stadium in Week 16.

Houston Texans (9-5)

Did not practice

  • OL Juice Scruggs (foot)
  • WR John Metchie III (shoulder)
  • DL Foley Fatukasi (ankle)
  • TE Cade Stover (illness)

Limited participation

  • RB Joe Mixon (ankle)
  • LB Del’Shawn Phillips (foot)

Full practice

  • OL Kenyon Green (shoulder)
  • QB Davis Mills (illness)

Kansas City Chiefs (13-1)

Did not practice

  • OT D.J. Humphries (hamstring)
  • DB Chamarri Conner (concussion)

Limited participation

Full practice

  • WR Hollywood Brown (shoulder)
  • OL Creed Humphrey (ankle)
  • K Harrison Bader (knee)
  • QB Patrick Mahomes (ankle)
  • OT Jawaan Taylor (knee)

Will WR Hollywood Brown make his Chiefs debut vs. Texans?

A star could be making his debut against the Houston Texans on Saturday afternoon at Arrowhead Stadium.

Hollywood vs. Houston is coming to a television near you.

Well that, or you’ll see it live at Arrowhead Stadium on Saturday when the Houston Texans travel north to take on the Kansas City Chiefs.

Marquise “Hollywood” Brown, Kansas City’s star acquisition pass-catcher from the offseason, appears likely to make his 2024 debut against the AFC South champions.

Three months after suffering an injured shoulder in the preseason that required surgery, Brown returned to practice Friday and has been a full-go the past two days.

“He felt good,” Chiefs coach Andy Reid said Tuesday when asked about Brown. “He felt good, moved around well, took quite a few reps.”

Kansas City has an ample passing arsenal after trading for former Texans All-Pro receiver DeAndre Hopkins earlier this fall.  Brown, who signed a one-year deal this offseason, was expected to be among the elites as a new top target for Patrick Mahomes.

But during a preseason against the Jacksonville Jaguars, Brown dislocated the sternoclavicular (SC) joint, which connects the sternum to the clavicle at the base of the neck. It required immediate surgery and a trip to the injured reserve.

Reid said the team would “play it by ear” before deciding if Brown would be cleared. He’s been added to the active roster after taking the place of former starting running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire, so there’s a chance he’ll be cleared before kickoff.

Patrick Mahomes, who’s been dealing with an ankle injury, has come away impressed in the limited time together back.

“He got out there, and he was rolling around,” Mahomes told reporters. “I think more than anything, it’s him getting back in football shape. I mean, it’s just different than training and stuff like that. And then him being able to feel confident enough to go out there and take hits, which he’s been cleared to do.”
Kickoff is set for noon. The game will be nationally televised on NBC.

Chiefs scouting report: Iowa Hawkeyes RB Kaleb Johnson

The Kansas City #Chiefs could look to select a player like Iowa #Hawkeyes running back Kaleb Johnson in the 2025 NFL draft.

Losing Isiah Pacheco to an injury for more than a month revealed that the Kansas City Chiefs need to add depth to their running back room. The 2025 NFL draft features several prominent running backs who could come off the board as early as the second round.

Iowa Hawkeyes standout Kaleb Johnson is a thickly built 225-pound running back with superb vision and contact balance. He uses precise footwork to make quick decisions and pick the right gaps. Johnson patiently presses close to the line of scrimmage while the run lane develops before fearlessly accelerating into the hole.

Johnson makes the most of his size by breaking through arm tackles, churning his legs through contact, and finishing plays falling forward. He makes defenders miss in open space with stiff arms, spin moves, and head and shoulder fakes. Johnson makes surprisingly sharp cuts and side steps for a running back with his size.

Johnson lacks the elite speed to erase pursuit, but analysts underrate his second-level burst. He challenges linebackers with his mid-play acceleration and uses his excellent open-field vision to set up blockers or find cutback opportunities.

Johnson’s agility puts a cap on his creativity. He struggles to make defenders miss in tight spaces and lacks the lateral explosiveness for sudden jump cuts. Johnson keeps his quarterback clean in pass protection but doesn’t have much experience running routes.

All-Pro RB Eddie George gives his take on Chiefs’ three-peat chances

Retired All-Pro RB Eddie George shared his thoughts on the Kansas City Chiefs’ Super Bowl three-peat chances w/ @EdEastonJr

This week, Chiefs Wire’s Ed Easton Jr. spoke to retired Pro Bowler and Heisman winner Eddie George.

In his interview with Easton Jr., George discussed his support for The Wuerffel Foundation at the Pickle Bowl: Heisman Edition event at Life Time Pickleball NYC and his thoughts on the Kansas City Chiefs’ chances at a three-peat.

“Danny (Wuerffel) is doing this for his foundation. I know he’s a hell of a pickleball player,” said George. “What a great way to raise money awareness for his great cause, and do it in a fun way.”

Pickle Bowl: Heisman Edition brought together college football legends, including Cam Newton, Tim Tebow, Eric Crouch, Charlie Ward, and Johnny Rodgers, for an action-packed day of pickleball exhibitions, VIP play, and fan engagement.

Pickleball pros Ryan Sherry and Kate Fahey joined them on the court. The Tennessee Titans franchise legend and current head football coach at Tennessee State University weighed in on the Chiefs Super Bowl chances this season.

“They (the Chiefs) look pretty strong. I mean, they’re winning close games. They’re getting better toward the tail end of the season, but there are some other teams that are starting to emerge,” George explained. “Buffalo, you have Detroit, which will be a problem in the NFC. The Eagles, I mean, there will be some teams that can contend. But anytime you have a battle-tested unit with a championship pedigree with your team at the helm.

“You know you better be able to put the team away late in the game. He’ll find a way to win the ball game with two seconds left because you put that ball in his hands. They are great at situational football. They don’t panic under pressure and have the best closer in the game as far as (Patrick) Mahomes.”

The following links provide more information on Pickle Bowl and The Wuerffel Foundation.

Chiefs TE Noah Gray comments on the short turnaround on games: ‘We’re looking forward to it’

Kansas City #Chiefs TE Noah Gray comments on the short turnaround on games: ‘We’re looking forward to it’ | @EdEastonJr

Kansas City Chiefs tight end Noah Gray had another productive game last Sunday in the team’s victory over the Cleveland Browns. During Tuesday’s press conference, he shared his thoughts on how Kansas City’s unique schedule of games affects player rest.

“Yeah. I mean, it’s super important. Rest is super important. Sleep is super important. So just some of those things that we got to be extra cognizant of, you know, during this time. But it’s gonna be a lot of fun.” said Gray. “Nothing like playing ball on Christmas. So, you know, every single day that we have the opportunity to come out here and play, regardless of the circumstances, fun, and we’re looking forward to it.”

The Chiefs will play on Saturday at Arrowhead Stadium against the Houston Texans and then head on the road for a Christmas Day game with the Pittsburgh Steelers on Wednesday.

During the Week 15 win, in the last five minutes of the first half, Patrick Mahomes connected with an open Gray in the back of the end zone for a six-yard score. It marked his fifth touchdown of the season, a new single-season career high, and his fifth touchdown in as many weeks. Gray finished the victory in Cleveland with two catches for 21 yards.