The Kansas City Chiefs took a 20-12 L to the Los Angeles Rams in their preseason opener this Saturday, and yeah, exhibition losses can be a gut punch. But honestly, that score means way less than the *one* injury update Coach Andy Reid dropped after the game. It was all about player health, and for the most part, the Chiefs looked like they dodged a bullet.
The Only Injury That Mattered
International tackle Chu Godrick was the guy who went down. He was announced questionable to return in the fourth quarter with an ankle injury, and sure enough, Reid put the spotlight squarely on him. “As far as injuries go,” the coach said, “really, it was just Chu Godrick had an ankle sprain. Other than that, there were no other injuries.” That’s a pretty clear statement right there! What’s even better? Rookie Jadon Canady took a trip to the medical tent earlier in the fourth but actually got back in the game, and Reid didn’t even mention him. That’s the kind of silent good news you love to hear.
Plenty of Guys Out, But Not From *This* Game
Now, don’t get it twisted, a bunch of guys weren’t suited up. Matt Derrick of Chiefs Digest dropped the list: wide receiver Jimmy Holiday (undisclosed), right guard Trey Smith (hip), and linebacker Drue Tranquill (back) all sat out. Plus, defensive backs Chamarri Conner, Kader Kohu, and L’Jarius Sneed were out with knee injuries. Defensive tackle Omarr Norman-Lott is still chilling on the active/physically-unable-to-perform list, not even practicing yet. But here’s the kicker: those weren’t new injuries *from* the Rams game. And get this, all the big names like Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce, Rashee Rice, Xavier Worthy, and Emmanuel Ogbah? They were on the sideline, dressed, but didn’t even sniff the field. Kenneth Walker got one snap before he bounced. The starting offensive line of Josh Simmons, Jaylon Moore, Kingsley Suamataia, Kahlil Benson, and Creed Humphrey was pulled after their first possession. On defense, Chris Jones only played one defensive snap, and George Karlaftis and Nick Bolton were out by the first defensive series. Clearly, the plan was to keep the studs fresh and healthy.
So yeah, a loss is never fun, but coming out with basically one new injury is a huge win in preseason football. The focus now shifts to getting everyone who’s been sidelined healthy and ready to roll, and making sure Chu Godrick’s ankle is a non-issue moving forward. You gotta love that focus on player health, especially this early in the season.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Arrowhead Pride.
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