The Kansas City Chiefs had their bye last week, allowing them to get some much-needed rest in several areas.
Rookie offensive tackle Josh Simmons returned to practice this week after missing several weeks due to a personal matter, and the team kept the door open on his return. Brashard Smith will also be given another chance to showcase what he can do with Isiah Pacheco sidelined.
Nonetheless, while the Chiefs are figuring things out in their building, the Broncos will be down multiple starters. ESPN's Adam Schefter reported on Friday that Denver won't have JK Dobbins (foot), Pat Surtain (pec), Alex Singleton (illness), and Jonah Elliss (hamstring) for this game.
Broncos Ruled Out Four Players for Game vs. Chiefs in Week 11
It was revealed that Dobbins will be out for the "foreseeable future" after his leg got caught under a Raiders defender and was subject to a hip drop tackle. That's a massive loss for a Broncos offense that has struggled with Bo Nix. Dobbins is fifth in the NFL in rushing yards (772) with five touchdowns, and now they'll have to lean more on rookie running back RJ Harvey.
Surtain II suffered a pectoral strain when making a tackle in Week 8 against the Dallas Cowboys and will miss out for his third straight game. And that's an area that will benefit the Chiefs' passing attack, as Surtain II is one of the best cover corners in the NFL.
Meanwhile, Singleton recently underwent surgery for testicular cancer that was discovered a couple of days ago. There's no firm timetable for his return, but we wish him all the best in this recovery. In addition, Elliss was a depth piece along the defense that will be sidelined.
While injuries suck, they are a part of the game, and these absences will benefit a Chiefs team that badly needs a win. Going into this game, Kansas City is the eighth seed in the AFC and is on the outside looking in for the playoffs.
Picking up a win against a division rival would be big for the Chiefs. It'll help them gain steam in the division and will also add a victory to the win column. The Jags and Bills are both ahead of the Chiefs, which isn't ideal, as they both beat Kansas City head-to-head.
The Chiefs need every win they can get over the next eight weeks, and this injury report for Denver can certainly help them get one in Week 11.