What Early Chiefs Injury Report Means For Christmas Day

**Chiefs Face Injury Challenges Ahead of Christmas Night Showdown with Broncos**

*KANSAS CITY, Mo.* — The Kansas City Chiefs have a chance to disrupt the Denver Broncos’ Christmas plans when the two teams meet on Christmas night. However, the Chiefs won’t be at full strength for the Thursday Night Football game, scheduled for 7:15 p.m. CT and broadcast on Prime Video and NBC/KSHB-TV, Channel 41, as well as 96.5 The Fan.

Both teams released early injury reports on Monday, providing insight into the players’ status heading into the matchup.

### Chiefs Injury Report: Key Players Missing Practice

The Chiefs listed wide receivers Rashee Rice and Tyquan Thornton as did not practice. Both remain in the concussion protocol after sitting out Sunday’s loss against the Tennessee Titans.

Defensive back Jaylen Watson also did not practice due to a groin injury he sustained during Sunday’s 26-9 defeat. Starting cornerback Trent McDuffie (knee) was also a DNP (did not practice), meaning Kansas City would have been without two starting cornerbacks had they held practice Monday.

### Positive Notes on the Offensive Line

There was encouraging news for the Chiefs’ offensive line. Guard Trey Smith (ankle) was estimated to be a full participant in practice. Smith, a Pro Bowler, suffered a double ankle sprain on November 23 but returned to action in Tennessee. Although he appeared to aggravate the injury during that game, he seems on track to start Thursday.

Starting defensive tackle Derrick Nnadi, who missed Sunday’s game due to illness, also was estimated to return to practice Monday.

Tackle Jaylon Moore (knee) was listed as a limited participant. Moore, a veteran who has started several games at both left and right tackle this season, injured his knee on December 14 in the loss to the Chargers and missed Sunday’s game against the Titans. He could return to the lineup on Thursday.

Rookie Esa Pole, who struggled during Sunday’s game, might begin the matchup on the bench. Pole was a full participant Monday despite a knee injury. If Moore is healthy enough to start, he could replace Chu Godrick, who made his first NFL start on Sunday, at right tackle.

### Broncos Injury Report: Starters Sidelined

For Denver, three starters were listed as did not practice in their early Monday report: inside linebacker Dre Greenlaw (hamstring), center Luke Wattenberg (shoulder), and wide receiver Pat Bryant (concussion).

Bryant suffered a frightening injury late in Denver’s loss to Jacksonville on Sunday, when he was placed on a backboard and taken by ambulance to the hospital. Reports indicate Bryant had movement in his extremities and is expected to recover, but his return for Thursday’s game remains highly doubtful.

Wattenberg’s shoulder injury is something to watch closely, especially during the team’s most intensive practice session on Tuesday.

—

The Chiefs and Broncos both face key injury concerns as they prepare for their Christmas night clash, setting the stage for a hard-fought battle under the bright lights. Stay tuned for the latest updates as the week progresses.
https://www.si.com/nfl/chiefs/onsi/kansas-city-early-injury-report-means-christmas-day

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