The Kansas City Chiefs suffered a double blow in their Week 14 loss to the Houston Texans, with key injuries affecting both offense and defense as All-Pro cornerback Trent McDuffie‘s knee injury has left fans and the team anxious about upcoming matchups.
The trouble began on the first offensive play when backup left tackle Wanya Morris went down with a knee injury during a two-yard run by Isiah Pacheco.
NBC Sports did not replay the incident, which generally signals concern over its severity as Morris was attended to on the sideline, briefly examined in the medical tent, and carted off to the locker room.
He did not return, leaving the Chiefs shorthanded at a critical offensive position as their undrafted rookie, Esa Pole, stepped into his role for his NFL debut, but struggled to adapt to a tough Texans defense.
Later in the first quarter, McDuffie suffered a hyperextended knee while defending Nico Collins on a 46-yard reception. He was helped off the field, briefly jogged on the sideline, and was seen wearing a brace, but ultimately did not return to the game.
After the game, Andy Reid offered updates on both injuries.
“Alright, got a couple injuries,” Reid said. “Wanya Morris hurt his leg, lower leg. We’ll just have to see within the next day or so here how he is.
“And then Trent McDuffie hyperextended his knee, so we’ll have to see how it works out for him.”
Morris’s lower-leg injury, following the initial knee concern, casts doubt on his short-term availability. McDuffie’s hyperextension could vary in seriousness depending on potential ligament damage.
Additional tests will clarify the prognosis, leaving the Chiefs in a state of uncertainty as offensive line depth is a growing concern. With Morris, Trey Smith, and Jawaan Taylor sidelined, the team may rely on Pole at left tackle and Jaylon Moore at right tackle for Week 15.
Active roster options are limited to these two starters. Defensively, McDuffie’s absence increased reps for Nohl Williams at outside cornerback and allowed Kevin Knowles II to play nickel corner. Kristian Fulton may return to strengthen depth if necessary.
The injuries complicate the Chiefs’ playoff hopes with their Week 14 defeat dropping them to 6-7 as the team now sits 10th in the AFC playoff seeding, holding only a 15% chance to make the postseason, requiring victories in all remaining games.
Patrick Mahomes reacts to Morris injury vs Texans
The game’s opening play saw Morris carted off, forcing Esa Pole into his NFL debut, who faced Houston’s formidable pass rush, including Will Anderson Jr. and Danielle Hunter, while Mahomes visibly struggled after losing his protector on the left side.
Seeing Morris go down, Mahomes knelt on the field with his fist on his forehead and eyes closed, highlighting the immediate impact of the injury on the team’s morale and offensive rhythm as he knew his night got a whole lot tougher.
Pole’s debut was challenging, as the Chiefs also played without Smith and Taylor, further testing their depth and it turned out Kansas City shouldn’t cope, with Mahomes throwing three interceptions and being sacked twice.
The Week 14 loss ended the Chiefs’ chance to win the AFC West, meaning they will relinquish the division for the first time since 2016 but the story is their NFL Playoffs hopes now lay in ruins.
With the 11-2 Denver Broncos and 8-4 Los Angeles Chargers leading, Kansas City must now focus on salvaging their playoff hopes while managing injuries to key starters and developing less experienced players.