Tag: Chiefs

Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes reveals ankle status after victory over Browns: ‘Tried to bounce back’

Kansas City #Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes reveals ankle status after victory over the Cleveland #Browns: ‘Tried to bounce back’ | @EdEastonJr

The Kansas City Chiefs won their matchup with the Cleveland Browns on Sunday, but it came at a cost health-wise. Patrick Mahomes left the game early due to a right ankle injury, making many concerned about the star quarterback’s status for next Saturday’s game.

“Tried to bounce back up, but obviously it hurt a little bit,” Mahomes told reporters during his postgame press conference. “Now we’ll just get after the rehab part of it and try to get ready for next week.”

Mahomes fought through a physical game against the Browns, completing 19 passes for 159 yards and two touchdowns. He injured his ankle earlier in the season during an overtime victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers without missing time, but the same bounceback isn’t guaranteed this time around.

“Every injury’s different; you know what you have to do to get back,” said Mahomes. “That’s the most important thing. Now we just get back to the rehab part, the treatment part, and try to get ourselves ready on a short week against a good football team.”

The Chiefs return to action on a short week against the Houston Texans this Saturday at Arrowhead Stadium. Afterward, they will face the Pittsburgh Steelers on Christmas Day.

Inactives for Chiefs vs. Browns, Week 15

Here are the players who will be inactive during the #Chiefs vs. #Browns Week 15 game | From @EdEastonJr

The Kansas City Chiefs and Cleveland Browns released their list of inactive players before their Week 15 matchup.

Here are the inactive players for the Chiefs:

  • OT CJ Hanson
  • OT D.J. Humphries
  • OT Ethan Driskell
  • DT Marlon Tuipulotu
  • RB Clyde Edwards-Helaire
  • DE Malik Herring
  • DE Josh Uche

Here is the inactive list for the Browns:

  • QB Bailey Zappe (3QB)
  • K Dustin Hopkins
  • WR Cedric Tillman
  • RB D’Onta Foreman
  • CB Chigozie Anusiem
  • TE David Njoku
  • DE James Houston

Chiefs RB Isiah Pacheco fined for lowering his helmet vs. Chargers

Kansas City #Chiefs running back Isiah Pacheco fined for lowering his helmet vs. Los Angeles #Chargers | @EdEastonJr

The Kansas City Chiefs are AFC West champions for the ninth consecutive season after their thrilling victory in Week 14 against the Los Angeles Chargers. The exciting win came with another disciplinary ruling from the league, as the NFL has reportedly fined running back Isiah Pacheco.

According to a report from NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, Pacheco was fined $45,020 for unnecessary roughness because he lowered his helmet and collided with Chargers defensive back Kristian Fulton on a rush during the second quarter.

The fine is unexpected because Pacheco wasn’t penalized during the game, so it went relatively unnoticed at the moment. The third-year running back is known for his rugged rushing style, often seeking out contact on plays to intimidate and wear down the defense. The infraction follows the fine laid on quarterback Patrick Mahomes for unsportsmanlike conduct in Week 11 against the Buffalo Bills.

Pacheco finished the game with 14 carries for 55 yards, continuing to split time with Kareem Hunt since returning to the lineup after his ankle injury.

Chiefs scouting report: Toledo Rockets DT Darius Alexander

The Kansas City #Chiefs should consider selecting Toledo Rockets defensive tackle Darius Alexander in the 2025 NFL draft.

The Kansas City Chiefs struggle to generate pressure from the interior of their defensive line when Chris Jones isn’t on the field. The team should select a defensive tackle in the 2025 NFL draft to add depth and pass rush potential.

Toledo Rockets standout Darius Alexander might be Texas defensive tackle Alfred Collins in disguise. The two possess similar elite physical traits and rare movement skills for their size. Collins is a little taller and longer than Alexander, but the Toledo product still stands out as a freak athlete among this year’s defensive tackles.

Alexander is a tall, thick 6’4″, 310 lb. defensive tackle with long arms. He gets off the line and exchanges gaps quickly for a large lineman. This gives him value shooting gaps and penetrating the backfield with his athletic traits.

Alexander’s pass rush plan includes club-swims, long-arms, push-pulls, spins and swims. His hands display flashes of pop that displace offensive linemen. Alexander uses his length to pry up the guard’s pad level and gradually walk him back into the pocket. His hands are hyperactive but often lack a refined purpose, and he doesn’t have instant-win pass rush moves.

Alexander doesn’t anchor against the run at an elite level. He resets the line of scrimmage by knocking offensive linemen backward but times his anchor poorly. He fails to maximize his length, which leads to missed opportunities to shed blocks. Double teams easily displace Alexander because of his high pad level.

Alexander posts some dominant one-on-one wins in run defense but needs to become more consistent in that area of his game.

Toledo qualified for a bowl game. Even if Alexander opts out to prepare for the draft, there’s still another chance for fans to see him in uniform. He committed to attending the Senior Bowl alongside teammate Maxen Hook. The Senior Bowl is the nation’s premier all-star event, drawing top prospects from across the country.

Chiefs Dave Merritt comments on injuries in the secondary: ‘The next guy is ready’

Kansas City #Chiefs defensive backs coach Dave Merritt comments on injuries in the secondary: ‘The next guy is ready’ | @EdEastonJr

The excessive injuries on the Kansas City Chiefs roster haven’t stopped them from winning this season, but it’s still a concern. Chiefs defensive backs coach Dave Merritt spoke with reporters on Thursday about the challenges of dealing with injuries, especially in the secondary.

“I go back, and I think back to the AFC Championship game when LJ (L’Jarius Sneed) went down, and all of a sudden, Josh (Williams) had to go in the game and play after five snaps,” said Merritt. And so not that you want to see this happen, but you know, when you’ve had injuries, the amount of injuries that we’ve had guys in and out, you want to make sure that the next guy is ready.”

The Chiefs recently dealt with injuries to Joshua Williams and Nazeeh Johnson and the season-ending loss of Jaylen Watson. Veteran cornerback Steven Nelson was signed to the practice squad this week as insurance for the postseason.

“We always try to teach our guys and make sure that everyone understands the role that they need to go in and be ready to play. And with that comes a lot of responsibility on the players to make sure they know what they’re doing when the defense is called. So, but it’s not easy.” said Merritt. “You wish everyone would stay healthy. I’m quite sure all the other 30-plus teams would want the same thing. But once you have an injury, you have to be able to overcome it, and hopefully, your next guy is ready to go because everyone’s a starter when you’re in the room.”

Merritt and the coaching staff’s continued confidence in their young secondary has been crucial in their development. The group is essential in their hopes of three-peating as Super Bowl champions.

Chiefs Andy Heck supports young offensive tackles through struggles: ‘Handling it like a pro’

Kansas City #Chiefs offensive line coach Andy Heck supports young offensive tackles through struggles: ‘Handling it like a pro’ | @EdEastonJr

During Thursday’s press conference, Kansas City Chiefs offensive line coach Andy Heck opened up about his young options at left tackle. He praised Wanya Morris’ performance in relief of D.J. Humphries during the fourth quarter of the team’s Week 14 win over the Los Angeles Chargers.

“Yeah, I thought he handled that whole situation like a pro. From the moment we talked to him about what our plans were and our intentions were, he approached it the right way. (He) went out, and as a young player, he’s continuing to work, as we all are, to get better. I thought he did that. And then when he was called on, I mean, you got to be ready. You know, things happen. He stepped in. I thought he did a good job.”

Heck also praised his other young left tackle, Kingsley Suamataia, who was inactive in Week 14.

“Also handling it like a pro, a young pro, but he’s working very hard every day, and I’m seeing some improvement out of him,” said Heck. “I really like both of our young tackles, their ability and how they’re working right now.”

Humphries is the accomplished veteran in the locker room, but it’s promising to see Heck with high praise for the embattled young left tackles this season.

Chiefs TE Travis Kelce praises the Chargers Week 14 performance: ‘A lot of heart’

Kansas City #Chiefs TE Travis Kelce praises the Los Angeles #Chargers Week 14 performance: ‘A lot of heart’ | @EdEastonJr

The Kansas City Chiefs’ Week 14 victory over the Los Angeles Chargers will be best remembered for the thrilling game-winning field goal. All-Pro tight end Travis Kelce appreciated his opponent’s play more and saw potential future success for their starting quarterback.

On the latest episode of the New Heights podcast, Travis and Jason praised what they recognized from the Chargers on Sunday night.

“I think the Chargers a (f******) hell of a (good) football team,” Kelce said. (Jim) Harbaugh’s got those guys playing their tail off, with a lot of heart.”

Los Angeles is in its first season with new head coach Jim Harbaugh, who has earned a reputation for turning teams around at different levels to become winners. The good vibes extended to their quarterback, who has been one of the more efficient players in the league this season.

“You can’t tell me Justin Herbert isn’t one of the (f******) quarterbacks in the National Football League,” said Kelce, speaking highly of Herbert’s gutsy performance last Sunday night. The Chargers quarterback finished the game 21 of 30, passing for 213 yards and a touchdown.

Kansas City swept the season series this year over Los Angeles, but each game was close and could have gone either way.

“They got that thing figured out right now,” said Kelce. “They’re playing really, really good football right now, and they played us pretty tough both times we got them.”

Travis Kelce touts Justin Herbert as ‘one of the best’

Justin Herbert’s excellence continues to be recognized, as Travis Kelce praised the quarterback this week.

Justin Herbert has become known as one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL. His statistics haven’t exactly reflected that at times in 2024, particularly at the beginning of the season.

Herbert has dealt with several ailments throughout the year on top of the fact that the Chargers don’t have a true No. 1 wide receiver. As the season has evolved though, Herbert has played some of the best football of his career.

Herbert put in another superb performance in Week 14 against the Chiefs, but the team fell just short of picking up the win. Nonetheless, Chiefs star tight end Travis Kelce heaped the praises of Herbert via his New Heights podcast.

“You can’t tell me that Justin Herbert isn’t one of the best f***ing quarterbacks in the National Football League,” Kelce said.

The Kelce brothers, both Travis and Jason, had nothing but positive things to say about the Chargers. Particularly, they acknowledged the culture that Jim Harbaugh has brought to the squad in 2024.

Herbert is taking care of the ball in a historic way this season as he has just one interception across 366 pass attempts. He’s the main reason for the team’s impressive 8-5 season, which has them in line for their first postseason appearance since the epic collapse in 2022.

In fact, that was the Chargers’ lone playoff appearance since 2018. Things are different under Jim Harbaugh, and it has Herbert playing some of the best ball of his career. Chargers fans aren’t the only ones aware of that either, as rivals have began to appreciate the quarterback’s greatness.

Chiefs DT Chris Jones shares his thoughts on Myles Garrett’s impact: ‘Hope he has no success’

Kansas City #Chiefs defensive tackle Chris Jones shares his thoughts on Myles Garrett’s impact: ‘Hope he has no success’ | @EdEastonJr

Kansas City Chiefs All-Pro Chris Jones spoke with reporters on Thursday about his counterpart on the Cleveland Browns, Myles Garrett. He shared his thoughts on Garrett’s success and hopes he doesn’t replicate that against the Chiefs offense on Sunday.

“Myles (Garrett) is amazing. (He) won Defensive Player of the Year last year, was well deserved, and has a lot of respect for his game,” said Jones. “Yeah, I have much respect for him and hope he has no success against us.”

Garrett is tied for second in the league in sacks with eleven and has three forced fumbles, maintaining his dominance as the top defensive end.

“Anytime you get on the field as a competitor,” said Jones. “You want to outdo anyone you get on the field with a few competitors. So I think that aspect speaks for itself. But I happen to hope he has no success.”

Jones hasn’t had many sacks this season due to constant double teams, but he has created opportunities for teammates. On Sunday, Garrett’s presence on the other sidelines could fuel the star defensive lineman in Cleveland.

Chiefs DC Steve Spagnuolo reacts to the signing of Steven Nelson: ‘Take it day by day’

Kansas City #Chiefs defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo reacts to the signing of Steven Nelson: ‘Take it day by day’ | @EdEastonJr

The Kansas City Chiefs added former draft pick Steven Nelson to the practice squad earlier this week to prepare him to play a significant role in the postseason run. During Thursday’s press conference, defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo opened up about the signing.

“Just take it one day at a time and see what we got; it’s been a while. It’s gonna take, take a while to figure out for him.” Said Spagnuolo. “I sat down to talk with him; he hadn’t been doing a lot, so we had him out there for one day. Take it day by day.”

Nelson started his career in Kansas City, starting in 38 of his 52 games and tallying four interceptions and 182 tackles. Spagnuolo shared his thoughts on the decision to sign the veteran cornerback.

“I talked to him about it; I don’t know how it all transpired. I didn’t ask all those questions,” said Spagnuolo. “I’m assuming Brett (Veach) just kind of researched it, and it developed, and he made a decision to give it a shot. So we’ll see where it goes. It’s so ground-level right now that I don’t really have too much insight, to be honest with you.”

Nelson was believed to be retired after nine NFL seasons and playing last year with the Houston Texans. He is more depth for a secondary that has been hit with injuries this season.