The Kansas City Chiefs faced troubling news in their final injury report for Week 9, released Saturday afternoon. The undefeated Chiefs (7-0) are preparing to take on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (4-4) on Monday night. Head coach Andy Reid announced that rookie tight end Jared Wiley has suffered a season-ending ACL injury during practice this week. To fill Wiley’s spot, the Chiefs will elevate Payton Hendershot for the game.
Additionally, the team has ruled out three players: cornerback Nazeeh Johnson (concussion), wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster (hamstring), and defensive lineman Mike Danna (pectoral). Quarterback Patrick Mahomes was listed on the injury report Wednesday due to an ankle injury, raising concerns about his mobility against the Buccaneers. However, Mahomes participated fully in all three practices this week and, according to Saturday’s report, has no injury designation for Monday night’s game.
With no designation on the injury report, it appears Mahomes’ ankle is healthy enough for the two-time NFL MVP to operate effectively in the pocket against Tampa Bay.
Entering Week 9, Mahomes aims to build momentum after a slow start this season, having thrown only eight touchdowns against nine interceptions in the Chiefs’ first seven games.