Chiefs-Broncos Injury Report: Key Players Held Out Ahead of Season Finale

As the Kansas City Chiefs gear up to face the Denver Broncos this Sunday at Empower Field, attention turns to critical player injuries that may impact the game. The regular-season finale is set to kick off at 3:25 PM (Arrowhead Time), and both teams are eyeing a strong finish before heading into the postseason.

In the Chiefs' first official injury report for the week, three standout players were notably absent from practice. Running back Isiah Pacheco (rib), right tackle Jawaan Taylor (knee), and defensive tackle Chris Jones (calf) were all marked as "Did Not Practice" (DNP). This announcement raises concerns about their availability as Kansas City looks to solidify its playoff position.

Other key players in the report included: - **Quarterback Patrick Mahomes** (ankle): Limited participation. While Mahomes' mobility has been scrutinized due to his previous ankle injury, fans will be eager to see how he performs against a tough Broncos defense.

- **Cornerback Trent McDuffie** (knee): Also limited, which could affect the Chiefs' secondary's performance.

- **Wide receiver Mecole Hardman** (knee): Limited participation. Hardman is currently on the Reserve/Injured list, and any return would come with a ticking 21-day activation window.

Interestingly, left tackle D.J. Humphries (hamstring) was a full participant in practice. His return could allow the Chiefs to shift Joe Thuney back to left guard, providing a needed boost in both pass protection and run blocking.

On the Broncos' side, only five players were reported regarding health, with three being full participants. This indicates a relatively healthier team going into the game. Players such as Ben Powers (non-injury related), Frank Crum (illness), and Zach Allen (non-injury related) all had varied practice statuses but were not sidelined due to injuries.

As the Chiefs prepare to face a Denver team desperate for a win, the injury statuses will certainly be a focal point. Will Kansas City prioritize rest for its stars, or will they go full throttle to secure a strong playoff momentum? Fans can expect an exhilarating matchup as both teams vie for a successful close to their regular season! Stay tuned for updates as the game day approaches!