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Chiefs show promise and flaws in injury-marred first half against Falcons

The Patrick Mahomes-Josh Downs connection is already strong, but injuries and special teams woes continue to plague the Kansas City Chiefs.
ByParker Buchele
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Nov 15, 2026; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Josh Downs (12) returns a punt during the first quarter against the Atlanta Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
Nov 15, 2026; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Josh Downs (12) returns a punt during the first quarter against the Atlanta Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Within just one half of the Kansas City Chiefs' Sunday throwdown against the Atlanta Falcons, the injury bug has hit harder than ever this season. Already without Kenneth Walker III for this game due to a groin injury that popped up late this week, the Chiefs would have to muster offense without their best playmaker by a mile.

The offensive tackle situation has been maddening all year. Kahlil Benson has started the whole year in place of Josh Simmons. And while Simmons is eligible to play next week versus Arizona after his four-week stint on IR, I'm not holding my breath that he ever plays again for KC. Joshua Ezeudu received his second straight start on the right side today in place of the injured Jaylon Moore.

Just a few plays into the game, both Travis Kelce and Jared Wiley went to the locker room due to ankle injuries. Wiley, who was carted back to the locker room, was quickly ruled out, while Kelce was able to return to the game after missing a few drives.

And finally, right guard Trey Smith, a couple of drives into the game, left and is now being evaluated for a concussion. It leaves the Chiefs with virtually no running back other than Emmett Johnson, just two of five starting O-linemen, and a mishmash of pass-catchers.

The Patrick Mahomes-Josh Downs connection is already strong, but injuries and special teams woes continue to plague the Kansas City Chiefs

The Chiefs offense marched down the field in their first possession with ease, but was forced to punt a number of times before a Josh Downs touchdown capped off the half. The defense has done its part, holding Atlanta to just three points, 117 total yards, and 1-7 from third down.

Not surprisingly, it has been special teams that once again have looked completely hapless on the field. Multiple flags, a dropped punt by Josh Downs, an errant Matt Araiza punt that fell out of bounds, and a Falcon return that went to the nearly 50-yard line.

The Chiefs are playing a 3-6 Falcons team that they are clearly better than. But costly mistakes that have not improved all season continue to bite this team in the butt. We're far enough into the season that major changes are not on the way. Josh Downs is already proving to be a big one with an end-of-half, back-shoulder touchdown grab.

The Chiefs are up 14-3 and receive the ball out of the half. This is a game they can truly take control of by double-dipping. KC just has to win and try to get out of this game as healthy as possible.

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