On Wednesday, both the Kansas City Chiefs and the Cincinnati Bengals gave fans their first look at their respective injury reports for Sunday’s AFC Championship Game. While the Chiefs’ injury report was surprisingly brief, two important players for Cincinnati were still unavailable for practice.
First Injury Report Kansas City Chiefs vs. Cincinnati Bengals
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- The Bengals
UPDATE (Jan. 28):
- OUT: G Alex Cappa (ankle), OT Jonah Williams (knee)
Hurst’s calf injury has been one of Cincinnati’s primary concerns this week. This weekend at Arrowhead Stadium in the AFC championship game, he’ll be ready to go after participating fully in practice on Friday.
Joe Burrow will have another reliable option at wide receiver in Hurst, who caught a touchdown in last week’s Divisional Round win over the Bills.
Guard Alex Cappa and tackle Jonah Williams have both been ruled out for the season, so the offense will be shorthanded up front once again. Williams missed last week’s game in Buffalo, and Cappa has yet to play a single postseason snap.
| C Ted Karras | Knee | FP |
| DE Sam Hubbard | NIR – Rest | LP |
| CB Tre Flowers | Hamstring | LP |
| LB Joe Bachie | Foot | LP |
| OG Alex Kappa | Ankle | DNP |
| OT Jonah Williams | Knee | DNP |
| DT D.J. Reader | NIR – Rest | DNP |
The offensive line was missing Jonah Williams (knee) and Alex Cappa. There was hope that Cappa might be able to play again this Sunday, but the fact that he didn’t practice on Wednesday isn’t encouraging.
The fact that Jackson Carman performed so well against the Buffalo Bills despite Williams’ absence has helped ease some of the anxiety. Head coach Zac Taylor has not written them off for this week just yet.
D.J. Reader (rest) didn’t take part, but he usually has Wednesdays off.
Tre Flowers was limited after missing last week’s game because of a hamstring injury. If he comes back this week, it could be a big deal because he usually covers Travis Kelce when the two teams play each other.
Linebacker Joe Bachie (foot) and defensive end Sam Hubbard were also not able to play much (rest). Hubbard will be fine this week, even though he doesn’t usually get days off.
Center Ted Karras (knee) took part in the whole thing. After a scare in Buffalo, it looks like the Bengals’ already damaged offensive line didn’t take another hit.
- The Chiefs
UPDATE (Jan. 28):
- QUESTIONABLE: WR Mecole Hardman (pelvis), WR Justin Watson (illness), TE Travis Kelce (back)
On Friday, four players were added to the injury report, but tight end Travis Kelce is the most notable because he was scheduled to meet with the media but had his availability suddenly canceled. He has a back injury but still took part in every aspect of training. His viability in the match is in doubt.
That Patrick Mahomes will play on Sunday is not in doubt, but it is nonetheless unannounced.
| QB Patrick Mahomes | Ankle | FP |
| LB Willie Gay Jr. | Toe | FP |
| RB Jerick McKinnon | Ankle | FP |
| WR Mecole Hardman | Pelvis | LP |
During his usual pre-practice injury report, HC Chiefs Andy Reid reported no new injuries. This is where he makes some remarks, so go ahead and check them out.
According to Reid, Mahomes will be taking part in every aspect of training camp. Mahomes expressed eagerness to put his injured ankle through its paces in practice. The key will be how he feels tomorrow.
On Wednesday, Hardman participated in a reduced practice. Week 18 was the first week he had practiced in.
Despite suffering a nose injury in the AFC divisional round, L’Jarius Sneed is listed on this week’s injury report.
