Just when the Ravens are getting ready to play the Chiefs, they have received some more awful news. With John Harbaugh expressing such deep concern that the Ravens could lose, this could be a serious blow for the team today.
The Kansas City Chiefs appear to be experiencing serious issues. Halfway through their AFC Championship game against the Baltimore Ravens, the team reported the addition of 17 players to the injury list, most of whom were starters.
The Chiefs have advanced to the Super Bowl precursor for the sixth consecutive season, but one miscalculation might prevent them from traveling to Las Vegas, Nevada, home of the NFL title game.
The team’s star players, quarterback Patrick Mahomes and tight end Travis Kelce, appear to be fully recovered, but things are not looking good for the other players.
To the relief of head coach Andy Reid, eight of the identified players—including receivers Rashee Rice, Kadarius Toney, and Marquez Valdes-Scantling—participated completely in today’s practice. Others, nevertheless, did not have the same luck.
The Kansas City injury report
Cornerback L’Jarius Sneed and linebacker Willie Gay Jr. both had limited practice on Wednesday due to calf and neck problems, respectively.
Among the players who missed practice today were linemen Joe Thuney (pectoral) and Trey Smith (sickness), running back Isiah Pacheco (ankle and toe issues), and receiver Skyy Moore (knee).
Today, safety Mike Edwards sustained a concussion and nose tackle Derrick Nnadi hurt his triceps. Due to an unrelated injury, backup quarterback Blaine Gabbert played only a limited role.
The injured in Baltimore
The Ravens’ situation doesn’t appear as dire with guard Kevin Zeitler being the only offensive starter on the disabled list and having received a rest unrelated to his ailment.
Not practicing was wide receiver Tylan Wallace (knee), while tight end Mark Andrews (ankle) finished a full workout.
Starting cornerback Marlon Humphrey (calf), linebacker Del’Shawn Phillips (shoulder), and reserve cornerback Rock Ya-Sin (knee) all had limited practice.
The Chiefs are hopeful that wide receiver Kadarius Toney, linebacker Willie Gay Jr., safety Mike Edwards, and running back Isiah Pacheco will be available despite listing every player as questionable to play against the Ravens.
Due to a shoulder injury, Pacheco missed 14 games during the regular season, but he still led the Chiefs in rushing yards with about 1,000. He looked nimble on Friday during the media-accessible portion of practice. He missed training earlier in the week due to a toe issue. He took part in a walkthrough on Thursday, but in the last meeting before leaving for Baltimore, he appeared to be moving at full pace.
“Just working with the training room, doing a great job in there,” Pacheco said earlier this week. “Getting better every day.”
Gay, who has been dealing with a neck injury, may be crucial to stopping Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson. He was selected as Kansas City’s spy against Josh Allen last weekend. Much of the 72 yards rushing by the Buffalo quarterback came after he was forced out of the game.
“Willie is a big part of our defense,” said Reid. “Willie is an excellent player, but Drue (Tranquill) deserves credit for his work ethic before to joining. He has played a part in our success.
Edwards returned to practice on Thursday following his concussion against the Bills, while Toney—who has faced a lot of criticism this season for missing throws and making mental mistakes—has been dealing with a hip injury.
