The Kansas City Chiefs, led by superstar quarterback Patrick Mahomes and formidable defensive tackle Derrick Nnadi are fresh off a wildcard victory against the Miami Dolphins. While Mahomes led his offense incredibly and set a new playoff record, Nnadi also played his part the best on the defensive side.
The Chiefs are set to face the Buffalo Bills in the divisional round of the playoffs, but not without facing some significant setbacks. Head Coach Andy Reid provided updates on the team’s injury status after their final practice before the crucial matchup. Three key players, including Nnadi, wide receiver Skyy Moore, and offensive tackle Wanya Morris, will not be seen in the crucial playoff game.
Derrick Nnadi, Skyy Moore, and Wanya Morris out for Playoff game
Derrick Nnadi, a reliable force in the interior since his third-round draft pick in 2018, will be notably absent in the playoff match. He left the Wild Card game against the Miami Dolphins with a triceps injury and has been unable to practice throughout the week. Reid confirmed that practice squad DT Mike Pennel will step in to fill the void, via Kansas City.com.
Nnadi’s contributions this season included a sack and 16 tackles. The team will now rely on the depth of their roster, and Pennel will have to fight hard to face the formidable Bills offense.
Wanya Morris is still navigating the concussion protocol and will also be absent on Sunday night. He left the Chiefs regular-season finale with a concussion and missed the Wild Card game against the Dolphins.
Skyy Moore has been dealing with a knee strain and was sidelined after tweaking it during the previous day’s practice. He recently returned from injured reserve and had been a limited participant earlier in the week but is now officially listed as out for the game.
Chiefs-Bills latest injury report
The Chiefs, despite missing key veteran players like Derrick Nnadi, seem to have a more favorable injury outlook compared to their rival Bills. Wide receivers Kadarius Toney and Justyn Ross are listed as questionable due to hip/ankle and hamstring issues, respectively.
However, a silver lining for the Chiefs comes with the news that linebacker Nick Bolton (wrist), safety Deon Bush (elbow), tight end Noah Gray (rib), defensive lineman Charles Omenihu (hamstring), wide receiver Rashee Rice (hamstring), offensive lineman Donovan Smith (neck), wide receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling (oblique), and cornerback L’Jarius Sneed (calf) are set to play.
On the Bills’ side, head coach Sean McDermott has ruled out several crucial players, including wide receiver Gabe Davis (knee), cornerback Christian Benford (knee), linebacker Baylon Spector (back) and safety Taylor Rapp (calf). While key players like cornerback Taron Johnson and punter Sam Martin face game-time decisions, wide receiver Stefon Diggs is expected to be “good to go” despite dealing with a foot issue that limited his practice time.
The match is slated to kick off at 5:30 p.m. Arrowhead Time at Highmark Stadium in Orchard Park, New York.
