Injury Report: Chiefs and Raiders Set Their Inactives Ahead of Key Matchup

As both the Kansas City Chiefs and Las Vegas Raiders prepare for their pivotal Week 18 showdown, both teams have finalized their injury reports, revealing key players who will be sidelined for the game. With playoff implications on the line, the absence of several key players on both teams could impact the outcome of this crucial matchup.

Chiefs’ Inactives: Key Players Resting and Injured

The Kansas City Chiefs entered the week with several injury concerns, and Friday’s final injury report clarified which players would be missing from their lineup. Guard Trey Smith, who has been battling a lingering ankle injury, was officially ruled out for the game. Smith’s absence will certainly be felt along the Chiefs’ offensive line, which will need to adjust without one of its key blockers.

Wide receiver Xavier Worthy also failed to clear the final injury hurdle, as he was listed as doubtful due to an illness. With Worthy unable to suit up, the Chiefs will be without one of their emerging playmakers, further limiting their depth at wide receiver.

Running back Isiah Pacheco and defensive end George Karlaftis were both limited in practice throughout the week with rest designations, but neither will dress for the game. Pacheco’s absence leaves the Chiefs’ backfield a little thinner, while Karlaftis’ departure means the defense will be without one of its young pass rushers, which could affect their ability to pressure the quarterback.

Another notable absence is defensive tackle Jerry Tillery, who was listed as questionable due to missing Friday’s practice for personal reasons. However, Tillery will be active for the game and will add depth to the Chiefs’ defensive front.

Additionally, cornerback Melvin Smith Jr., defensive end Tyreke Smith, and nose tackle Mike Pennel will also sit out, further depleting Kansas City’s defensive rotation.

Elevations and NFL Debut for Holiday and Bronwlee

With several players ruled out or unavailable, the Chiefs have made moves to bolster their roster. On Saturday, the team elevated practice squad wide receivers Jason Brownlee and Jimmy Holiday to the active roster. Both players will be available to play in the game, with Holiday set to make his NFL debut. This elevation underscores the Chiefs’ need for additional depth at wide receiver, and fans will be watching closely to see how the young receivers perform in a high-stakes contest.

As is the practice with elevated players, both Brownlee and Holiday will return to the practice squad after the game, but for now, they will be counted on to contribute in a crucial matchup against the Raiders.

Raiders’ Inactives: Key Injuries and New Additions

The Las Vegas Raiders, like the Chiefs, are also facing significant roster challenges. Quarterback Geno Smith was already ruled out on Friday’s injury report after suffering an ankle injury earlier in the week. With Smith sidelined, backup Kenny Pickett will take over as the starting quarterback for the Raiders. Pickett, who has seen limited action this season, will need to step up in a big way as he takes the reins in a must-win game for Las Vegas.

In addition to Smith, the Raiders also ruled out guard Dylan Parham, who is dealing with an illness. Parham’s absence means the Raiders’ offensive line will be without one of its key starters, which could impact their ability to establish the running game or provide Pickett with adequate protection.

Defensive tackle Adam Butler will also miss the game due to a biceps injury, which further weakens the Raiders’ defense, already dealing with multiple absences in the trenches. Additionally, Las Vegas will not dress running back Raheem Mostert, cornerback Chigozie Anusiem, safety Terrell Edmunds, and defensive tackle Brodric Martin — the latter of whom was recently added to the Raiders’ roster after a stint with the Chiefs’ practice squad.

Raiders Elevate Linebacker Davis and Tackle Wagner

To fill the gaps left by the injuries and absences, the Raiders have elevated linebacker Jamin Davis and tackle Dalton Wagner to the active roster. Both players will dress for the game, providing additional depth in the Raiders’ front seven and along the offensive line. Davis, in particular, could see action in the linebacker corps, adding versatility and experience to a defense that will be missing some key contributors.

Impact of Inactives on Game Strategy

Both teams are entering this Week 18 contest with significant lineup changes due to injuries and rest designations. For the Chiefs, the absence of key players like Smith, Worthy, and Karlaftis could impact both the offense and defense. While the team still boasts a strong roster, these absences mean that other players will need to step up, particularly in areas where depth has been thinned out.

For the Raiders, the loss of Smith and Parham is particularly concerning. With a backup quarterback in Pickett, Las Vegas will need to rely heavily on their defense and running game to support the offense. The absence of Mostert, a key piece in their backfield, makes this task even more difficult. Additionally, the loss of Butler and Martin in the defensive line will put extra pressure on the remaining defensive players to contain the Chiefs’ explosive offense.

Conclusion: A Battle of Depth and Resilience

With both teams dealing with significant injury issues and player absences, this Week 18 matchup will test the depth and resilience of both the Chiefs and the Raiders. Kansas City will look to secure a win despite the missing pieces, while the Raiders will need a strong performance from their backups to keep their playoff hopes alive.

As the game unfolds, all eyes will be on the players elevated to the active roster, including Jimmy Holiday, who will make his NFL debut, and Jamin Davis, who could play a key role in the Raiders’ defense. Both teams will be hoping that their depth and strategic adjustments can lead them to victory, setting the stage for an exciting and unpredictable contest.