{"id":45005,"date":"2025-12-09T23:16:15","date_gmt":"2025-12-09T23:16:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/usdailys.com\/?p=45005"},"modified":"2025-12-09T23:16:15","modified_gmt":"2025-12-09T23:16:15","slug":"chiefs-dealt-tough-injury-blow-with-playoffs-in-serious-doubt","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/usdailys.com\/?p=45005","title":{"rendered":"Chiefs Dealt Tough Injury Blow With Playoffs in Serious Doubt"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>The\u00a0Kansas City Chiefs\u00a0are getting thinner across the offensive line just as the playoff pressure is ratcheting up to new heights in the\u00a0Patrick Mahomes\u00a0era.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"lazy-img\" src=\"https:\/\/heavy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/GettyImages-2177343160-e1765248743868.jpg?quality=65&amp;strip=all&amp;w=780\" alt=\"\" width=\"360\" height=\"240\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Adam Schefter reported that reserve tackle\u00a0Wanya Morris, who was injured on the first play of his first start of the season on \u201cSunday Night Football,\u201d is going miss the rest of the year.<\/p>\n<div class=\"in-article-ad\">\n<div id=\"div-gpt-ad-1723273535268-0\" data-google-query-id=\"CPPVhqvRsZEDFarn_QUdBtohBg\">\n<div id=\"google_ads_iframe_\/22751588535,23055578086\/CafeX\/Feji.io_Banner_Responsive_1_0__container__\"><iframe id=\"google_ads_iframe_\/22751588535,23055578086\/CafeX\/Feji.io_Banner_Responsive_1_0\" tabindex=\"0\" title=\"3rd party ad content\" name=\"google_ads_iframe_\/22751588535,23055578086\/CafeX\/Feji.io_Banner_Responsive_1_0\" width=\"1\" height=\"1\" frameborder=\"0\" marginwidth=\"0\" marginheight=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\" aria-label=\"Advertisement\" data-load-complete=\"true\" data-google-container-id=\"8\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"><\/iframe><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>\u201cSources: Chiefs LT Wanya Morris suffered a season-ending knee injury Sunday night vs. the Texans,\u201d\u00a0ESPN\u2019s Adam Schefter reported\u00a0via X on Monday, December 8.<\/p>\n<p>Morris got the nod because of injuries to right tackle\u00a0Jawaan Taylor\u00a0and right guard\u00a0Trey Smith, which kept both players out of the crucial game against the\u00a0Houston Texans.<\/p>\n<p>Taylor is dealing with injuries to his triceps and his knee, while Smith is battling an ankle injury.\u00a0Neither practiced once last week, which doesn\u2019t bode well for their availability against the\u00a0Los Angeles Chargers\u00a0on Sunday, December 14.<\/p>\n<div class=\"in-article-ad\">\n<div id=\"div-gpt-ad-1723273569232-0\" data-google-query-id=\"CPTVhqvRsZEDFarn_QUdBtohBg\">\n<p>Morris has played in all but one game for the Chiefs in 2025, though primarily as a reserve and a special teams contributor. After his sole snap on Sunday night, Morris finishes the year with\u00a066 snaps\u00a0on offense compared to 51 snaps on special teams.<\/p>\n<div class=\"in-article-ad\">\n<div id=\"js_adsconex_parallax_1\" data-type=\"parallax\">\n<div class=\"adsconex-parallax_wrapper\">\n<div class=\"adsconex-parallax_ad-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"adsconex-parallax_ad\" align=\"center\">\n<div id=\"div-gpt-ad-1762261651577-0\" data-google-query-id=\"CO_VhqvRsZEDFarn_QUdBtohBg\">\n<div id=\"google_ads_iframe_\/22751588535,23055578086\/CafeX\/Feji.io_Banner_Responsive_20_0__container__\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>His loss represents a significant hit to Kansas City\u2019s offensive line depth, which was a problem for Mahomes against a Texans defense that recorded\u00a0two sacks and eight quarterback hits\u00a0on the evening. The pressure also contributed to three interceptions by Mahomes in a 20-10 home loss.<\/p>\n<div class=\"in-article-ad\">\n<div id=\"div-gpt-ad-1723273597409-0\" data-google-query-id=\"CPXVhqvRsZEDFarn_QUdBtohBg\">\n<div id=\"google_ads_iframe_\/22751588535,23055578086\/CafeX\/Feji.io_Banner_Responsive_3_0__container__\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h2>Trent McDuffie\u2019s Status Remains Unknown After Suffering Knee Injury Against Texans<\/h2>\n<div id=\"attachment_5631862\">\n<figure><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"lazy-img\" src=\"https:\/\/heavy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Trent-McDuffie-punishment-Colts.jpg?quality=65&amp;strip=all&amp;w=782\" alt=\"\" width=\"360\" height=\"240\" \/><\/figure>\n<p id=\"caption-attachment-5631862\">GettyCornerback Trent McDuffie of the Kansas City Chiefs.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>The Chiefs also lost two-time All-Pro cornerback\u00a0Trent McDuffie\u00a0to a hyperextended knee later in the contest. He left the field and did not return.<\/p>\n<div class=\"in-article-ad\">\n<div id=\"js_adsconex_parallax_2\" data-type=\"parallax\">\n<div class=\"adsconex-parallax_wrapper\">\n<div class=\"adsconex-parallax_ad-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"adsconex-parallax_ad\" align=\"center\">\n<div id=\"div-gpt-ad-1762261615119-0\" data-google-query-id=\"CO7VhqvRsZEDFarn_QUdBtohBg\">\n<div id=\"google_ads_iframe_\/22751588535,23055578086\/CafeX\/Feji.io_Banner_Responsive_19_0__container__\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Head coach\u00a0Andy Reid\u00a0updated McDuffie\u2019s status during the postgame press conference, though he was somewhat vague and gave no clear indication of a return timeline.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cTrent McDuffie hyperextended his knee,\u201d\u00a0Reid told reporters, \u201cso we\u2019ll have to see how it works out for him.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Kansas City provided no update on McDuffie\u2019s status Monday.<\/p>\n<h2>Chiefs Could Miss Playoffs if They Don\u2019t Win Out Over Last Month of NFL Season<\/h2>\n<div id=\"attachment_5634767\">\n<figure><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"lazy-img\" src=\"https:\/\/heavy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/GettyImages-2239639179-1.jpg?quality=65&amp;strip=all&amp;w=782\" alt=\"\" width=\"360\" height=\"240\" \/><\/figure>\n<p id=\"caption-attachment-5634767\">GettyQuarterback Patrick Mahomes of the Kansas City Chiefs.<\/p>\n<div class=\"in-article-ad\">\n<div id=\"div-gpt-ad-1725257493400-0\" data-google-query-id=\"CPfVhqvRsZEDFarn_QUdBtohBg\">\n<div id=\"google_ads_iframe_\/22751588535,23055578086\/CafeX\/Feji.io_Banner_Responsive_5_0__container__\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>The Chiefs (6-7) have officially lost their chance to repeat as AFC West Division champions for the 10th year in a row, as there is no mathematical chance of catching the Denver Broncos (11-2) who are tied with the\u00a0New England Patriots\u00a0for the best record in the AFC as well as the entire\u00a0NFL.<\/p>\n<div class=\"in-article-ad\">\n<div id=\"related-content-block-metaconex\" class=\"js_adsconex_block\" data-site-type=\"metaconex\" data-type=\"ad_block\" data-ad-placement-id=\"71373\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Kansas City\u2019s odds of making the playoffs are hovering between 10-15 percent, depending on the outcome of the Chargers\u2019 game against the\u00a0Philadelphia Eagles\u00a0on \u201cMonday Night Football.\u201d The Chargers (8-4) are the next opponent on the Chiefs\u2019 schedule and also a member of the AFC West.<\/p>\n<div class=\"in-article-ad\">\n<div id=\"div-gpt-ad-1725257548274-0\" data-google-query-id=\"CPjVhqvRsZEDFarn_QUdBtohBg\">\n<div id=\"google_ads_iframe_\/22751588535,23055578086\/CafeX\/Feji.io_Banner_Responsive_6_0__container__\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Los Angeles is currently in the AFC playoff picture, while Kansas City\u2019s postseason odds were\u00a012 percent\u00a0at halftime of the Chargers-Eagles game, with L.A. holding a 10-6 lead heading into the third quarter.<\/p>\n<div class=\"in-article-ad\">\n<div id=\"div-gpt-ad-1725257596831-0\" data-google-query-id=\"CPnVhqvRsZEDFarn_QUdBtohBg\">\n<div id=\"google_ads_iframe_\/22751588535,23055578086\/CafeX\/Feji.io_Banner_Responsive_7_0__container__\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>The Chiefs face the Tennessee Titans on the road, the Broncos at home and the\u00a0Las Vegas Raiders in the desert to finish the season following their Week 15 matchup with the Chargers in Kansas City.<\/p>\n<div class=\"in-article-ad\">\n<div id=\"div-gpt-ad-1725257638093-0\" data-google-query-id=\"CPrVhqvRsZEDFarn_QUdBtohBg\">\n<div id=\"google_ads_iframe_\/22751588535,23055578086\/CafeX\/Feji.io_Banner_Responsive_8_0__container__\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<h2>Steelers Get First Real Look at Shedeur Sanders\u2019 NFL Decision<\/h2>\n<div class=\"recommended-thumbnail\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"lazy-img\" src=\"https:\/\/bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com\/hjnews.com\/content\/tncms\/assets\/v3\/editorial\/9\/7b\/97b6aca2-1632-5809-b505-308770ca6e7d\/693692c7563ee.image.jpg?resize=1024%2C682\" alt=\"\" width=\"360\" height=\"240\" \/><\/div>\n<div class=\"recommended-wrapper\">\n<div id=\"ac_109855451\" class=\"article_chunk type_50\">\n<div class=\"froala-view custom-theme first_text_block\">\n<p>The Pittsburgh Steelers still have three weeks before they play the Cleveland Browns for the final time this season, but they got an announcement that adds a little something extra to their AFC North showdown.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"lazy-img\" src=\"https:\/\/bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com\/hjnews.com\/content\/tncms\/assets\/v3\/editorial\/9\/7b\/97b6aca2-1632-5809-b505-308770ca6e7d\/693692c7563ee.image.jpg?resize=1024%2C682\" alt=\"\" width=\"360\" height=\"240\" \/><\/p>\n<p>The Steelers versus Browns Week 17 game could help decide the winner of the division, or set up a dramatic ending in Pittsburgh against the Baltimore Ravens. But during the Cleveland game, the Steelers will get an opportunity to see if they made the right quarterback call during the NFL Draft.<\/p>\n<div class=\"in-article-ad\">\n<div id=\"div-gpt-ad-1757312352702-0\" data-google-query-id=\"CPzVhqvRsZEDFarn_QUdBtohBg\">\n<div id=\"google_ads_iframe_\/22751588535,23055578086\/CafeX\/Feji.io_Banner_Responsive_10_0__container__\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>The Browns announced that Shedeur Sanders will remain the starting quarterback for the rest of their 2025 season, ending talks of Deshaun Watson returning or Dillon Gabriel taking back over.<\/p>\n<div id=\"ac_109855451\" class=\"article_chunk type_50\">\n<div class=\"froala-view custom-theme first_text_block\">\n<p>The first time Pittsburgh and Cleveland faced off, Gabriel was the passer, completing 29 of 52 passes for 221 yards as the Steelers won 23-9. This time, Sanders will get an opportunity to host the Steelers, and maybe show a team that passed on him that they made a mistake.<\/p>\n<div class=\"in-article-ad\">\n<div id=\"div-gpt-ad-1762261423635-0\" data-google-query-id=\"CP7VhqvRsZEDFarn_QUdBtohBg\">\n<div id=\"google_ads_iframe_\/22751588535,23055578086\/CafeX\/Feji.io_Banner_Responsive_12_0__container__\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h2>Steelers Tested The Waters With Sanders<\/h2>\n<p>Let&#8217;s go back to the 2025 NFL Draft. Everyone was trying to figure out where Sanders was going to land in the first round, with the Steelers as the most-likely pick. Pittsburgh held the Colorado star for a visit just before the draft and many believed it was a sign that they were going to take a chance on the QB with their first-round selection.<\/p>\n<div class=\"in-article-ad\">\n<div id=\"div-gpt-ad-1762261449536-0\" data-google-query-id=\"CP_VhqvRsZEDFarn_QUdBtohBg\">\n<div id=\"google_ads_iframe_\/22751588535,23055578086\/CafeX\/Feji.io_Banner_Responsive_13_0__container__\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"aditude_inline_container aditude_ic_2\">\n<div id=\"aditude_article_inline_2\" class=\"aditude_div\" data-google-query-id=\"CNGy7JX_sJEDFbLtFgUd_3Envw\">\n<div id=\"google_ads_iframe_\/63317524\/yardbarker\/articles\/article_dynamic_2_0__container__\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Instead, the Steelers passed on Sanders for Derrick Harmon. Then, they passed on him in the third round for Kaleb Johnson, and again in the fourth round for Jack Sawyer.<\/p>\n<div class=\"in-article-ad\">\n<div id=\"div-gpt-ad-1762261476422-0\" data-google-query-id=\"CIDWhqvRsZEDFarn_QUdBtohBg\">\n<div id=\"google_ads_iframe_\/22751588535,23055578086\/CafeX\/Feji.io_Banner_Responsive_14_0__container__\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Sanders eventually went to the Browns in the fifth round, sparking plenty of conversation and a lot of backlash against teams who passed on him. Considering many thought he was a first-round pick heading into the draft, there&#8217;s a lot of belief that Cleveland got a steal in the later picks.<\/p>\n<div class=\"in-article-ad\">\n<div id=\"div-gpt-ad-1762261527497-0\" data-google-query-id=\"CIHWhqvRsZEDFarn_QUdBtohBg\">\n<div id=\"google_ads_iframe_\/22751588535,23055578086\/CafeX\/Feji.io_Banner_Responsive_16_0__container__\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"ac_109855453\" class=\"article_chunk type_50\">\n<div class=\"froala-view custom-theme\">\n<h2>We&#8217;ll See<\/h2>\n<p>Now, the Steelers get their first look at the quarterback they passed on. Sanders isn&#8217;t going up against Pittsburgh&#8217;s rookie in Will Howard, who they selected in the sixth round, but against Aaron Rodgers.<\/p>\n<div class=\"in-article-ad\">\n<div id=\"div-gpt-ad-1762261560224-0\" data-google-query-id=\"CILWhqvRsZEDFarn_QUdBtohBg\">\n<div id=\"google_ads_iframe_\/22751588535,23055578086\/CafeX\/Feji.io_Banner_Responsive_17_0__container__\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"aditude_inline_container aditude_ic_3\">\n<div id=\"aditude_article_inline_3\" class=\"aditude_div\" data-google-query-id=\"CIrn4JX_sJEDFSO2VgEdUYozmQ\">\n<div id=\"google_ads_iframe_\/63317524\/yardbarker\/articles\/article_dynamic_3_0__container__\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>If Sanders had ended up in Pittsburgh, Rodgers would&#8217;ve been the starter anyway. But the rookie gets a chance to prove to Mike Tomlin and company that he should&#8217;ve been their next franchise passer. A test that, if Sanders passes, could cause issues for the Steelers&#8217; playoff hopes.<\/p>\n<div class=\"in-article-ad\">\n<div id=\"div-gpt-ad-1762261585368-0\" data-google-query-id=\"CIPWhqvRsZEDFarn_QUdBtohBg\">\n<div id=\"google_ads_iframe_\/22751588535,23055578086\/CafeX\/Feji.io_Banner_Responsive_18_0__container__\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Sanders is 1-2 as a starter, completing 54 of 103 passes for 769 yards, five touchdowns and three interceptions.<\/p>\n<p>Pittsburgh travels to Cleveland in Week 17 to play at Huntington Bank Field.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>&nbsp; The\u00a0Kansas City Chiefs\u00a0are getting thinner across the offensive line just as the playoff pressure is ratcheting up to new heights in the\u00a0Patrick Mahomes\u00a0era. Adam Schefter reported that reserve tackle\u00a0Wanya &hellip; <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":45006,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-45005","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/usdailys.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/45005","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/usdailys.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/usdailys.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/usdailys.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/usdailys.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=45005"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/usdailys.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/45005\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":45007,"href":"https:\/\/usdailys.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/45005\/revisions\/45007"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/usdailys.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/45006"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/usdailys.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=45005"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/usdailys.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=45005"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/usdailys.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=45005"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}