Chiefs vs Raiders injury report: Donovan Smith going to play in Week 16 Christmas clash?

The Kansas City Chiefs are fresh off a 10-point win against the New England Patriots. Though the season has been quite turbulent for them, they are still sitting atop the AFC West with a 9-5 mark. The Chiefs are going to face off against the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 16 to solidify their playoff run.

After getting a Christmas gift from quarterback Patrick Mahomes, the Chiefs offensive line, including left tackle Donovan Smith, must be feeling great lately. However, multiple player’s entry into the injury list ahead of the Week 16 clash must be a headache for the defending champion. Meanwhile, for the Raiders, the upcoming match will be like a “do or die” situation to keep alive their hope of a potential playoff run.

Donovan Smith going to play in the Week 16 matchup?

The Chiefs’ head coach, Andy Reid, has earlier provided an update on Donovan Smith’s status by ensuring that his neck injury would not be a severe setback. However, the veteran’s absence from the lineup since Week 13 has raised concerns about his recovery progress. Despite being limited in Thursday’s practice, he didn’t partake in Friday’s session.

Usually, a player’s participation on Saturday serves as an indicator of their availability for an upcoming game. Smith’s involvement in the final practice session of the week holds significance for the Chiefs when assessing his readiness. If he remains labeled “Did Not Participate” (DNP) on Saturday, his chances of featuring in Monday’s game are slim.

The injury sidelining Donovan Smith occurred during Week 13’s clash against the Green Bay Packers, subsequently forcing him to miss the Chiefs’ last two critical matchups. In his absence, Wanya Morris took over the position against the Buffalo Bills and the New England Patriots. Morris is expected to continue in that role against the Raiders if Smith remains unable to return.

The LT started in all 10 regular-season games. His journey to the Chiefs began after his offseason move from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, where he spent eight seasons. As a former second-round pick in the 2015 NFL Draft, his transition to the Chiefs marked his first experience playing for a different franchise after a lengthy tenure with the Bucs.

Chiefs vs Raiders injury report for Week 16 clash

The highly anticipated NFL Christmas game in 2023 between the Chiefs and Raiders is looming, but both teams are contending with injury concerns. For the Chiefs, the latest updates from their practice sessions have raised some concerns as wide receiver Kadarius Toney, running backs Clyde Edwards-Helaire and Jerick McKinnon, and linebacker Cam Jones were absent from Friday’s practice, via AtoZ Sports.

While Edwards-Helaire’s absence was excused due to personal reasons, McKinnon’s continued absence, attributed to a groin injury, poses uncertainties for his availability. Reid earlier expressed confidence in Edwards-Helaire’s potential return, but McKinnon’s situation remains unclear. Linebacker Cam Jones also missed practice due to illness.

The Chiefs also received positive news regarding the return of starter Isiah Pacheco. Alongside Pacheco, several key players, including linebacker Nick Bolton, tight end Travis Kelce, safety Justin Reid, wide receiver Rashee Rice, guard Trey Smith, and cornerback L’Jarius Sneed, are actively participating.

On the Raiders’ side, defensive end Maxx Crosby’s ongoing knee issue has persisted, resulting in his absence from recent practices. Tight end Michael Mayer’s toe injury has also kept him out of consecutive practice sessions.

However, there is some positive news for the Raiders as well, with running back Josh Jacobs making a limited return to practice after a quad injury sidelined him in the last game. Center Andre James, dealing with an ankle issue, maintained limited participation after missing the previous game. Meanwhile, linebacker Robert Spillane continues to be limited due to illness.