On Sunday, the Kansas City Chiefs travel to Cleveland to face a Browns team mired in mediocrity and disappointment. On the flip side, the Chiefs are starting to reshape their roster, as nearly all of their walking wounded could be on the field next weekend against the Houston Texans.
Even though the NFL trade deadline passed on the same day we elected a new President, the Kansas City Chiefs medical staff has been working overtime to get some of their injured players back on the field.
The bad news started in the pre-season with the loss of Hollywood Brown, then Isiah Pacheco, then Rashee Rice, then JuJu Smith-Schuster, then Jaylen Watson, then Harrison Butker, and newcomer DJ Humphries.
Next weekend, most of the previously walking wounded could line up on the same field together for the first time. We know Rice is out until next year, but it’s possible Jaylen Watson could return if the Chiefs make a deep playoff run.
So, when the Chiefs face the Houston Texans next Saturday, Patrick Mahomes will have all his toys on the field just in time for Christmas.
The fact that this team is 12-1 with all the injuries that have mounted this season makes it remarkable that they have a two-game lead in the AFC. Further, Andy Reid and his training staff have done an impressive job.
Usually, injuries mount for other teams at this time of the year. Yet, the Chiefs are gaining some valuable bodies as they are about to enter the worst stretch of the 2024 season – three games in 11 workdays.
Though they aren’t happy about the task given to them by the NFL Schedule Makers, they will play the games with some fresh and healthy new bodies. That alone should mask any chaos they’ll face over the next 11 days.
One man who must be happy is Mahomes, who has taken a beating this season. Whenever Hollywood returns and can add his talents with Xavier Worthy, DeAndre Hopkins, and Travis Kelce, no defense can defend the Chiefs down the field playmakers if given time in the pocket.
As the crazy season has unfolded, it will be great to witness a healthy Chiefs team entering this stretch of games. Further, if they can keep winning and incorporate their wounded back into the collective, the Chiefs can make a run to become the first three-peat Super Bowl champion in NFL history.
The opportunity ahead won’t be easy, but this is the singular expectation of the franchise. The goal is to win the Super Bowl with whatever players are available. The fact they have added to their 12-1 roster, might be the secret sauce that delivers history to the Chiefs organization.
However, before celebrating these players’ return, let’s hope that on Sunday, no new bodies appear on the injury report. Further, with a win on Sunday, the Chiefs will inch closer to locking down the top spot in the AFC.
