The Kansas City Chiefs just dropped their list of inactive players for today’s Week 8 showdown against the Denver Broncos, and man, there are some serious hits for the reigning champs. Cornerback L’Jarius Sneed, who was originally questionable with a knee injury, is now officially on the Reserve/Injured (IR) list. That’s a gut punch for their secondary, forcing them to sign practice squad defensive back Melvin Smith to the active roster just to fill the gap.
Chiefs’ Defensive Line Sees Moves, While the Secondary Takes a Hit
Beyond Sneed, Kansas City’s defensive backfield is definitely looking thin. Cornerback Mansoor Delane is also out, sidelined with that shoulder injury that’s been bugging him all season. He was questionable on Friday but got ruled out Saturday. Add tackle Diego Pounds, fullback Ben VanSumeren, and defensive end Jack Pyburn to the list of guys who won’t be suiting up. On the bright side, there was some drama around rookie defensive end R Mason Thomas, who missed Friday’s practice for personal reasons and even traveled separately. But good news: the Chiefs confirmed he rejoined the team in Colorado and is officially playing. His availability meant that Tyreke Smith, elevated from the practice squad, is inactive for the game. Oh, and if things get wild, rookie Garrett Nussmeir is the third quarterback, eligible if Patrick Mahomes and Justin Fields can’t go. Still no Omarr Norman-Lott, the defensive tackle working back from last season’s ACL tear, as he remains on the Physically-Unable-to-Perform (PUP) list.
Broncos Also Dealing with Key Absences, But Get Some Help Back
Over on the Denver side, they’ve got their own inactive list to contend with. Safety Talanoa Hufanga was already ruled out with an ankle injury and won’t be playing. Offensive linemen Gavin Ortega and Kage Casey, tight end Dallen Bentley, and defensive linemen Jordan Jackson and Tyler Onyedim are all inactive. Sam Ehlinger is the third quarterback for the Broncos, ready if needed. But it’s not all bad news for Denver. Wide receiver Jaylon Waddle (chest), safety Brandon Jones (hamstring), and defensive tackle Zach Allen (hamstring) were all questionable earlier in the week, but they’re cleared and will dress for the game. Plus, the Broncos elevated running back Cody Schrader from their practice squad for the matchup, and he’s dressing to play.
With Sneed hitting IR and Delane out, the Chiefs’ secondary is definitely under pressure. This Week 8 matchup against Denver just got a whole lot more interesting to see how those defensive gaps get filled. Keep an eye on those Chiefs DBs, because they’ll be tested big time.
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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