Chiefs Catch Big Injury Break Ahead of Week 5 Saints Showdown
By Joe Summers
The Chiefs are dealing with a slew of injuries entering Week 5 despite an undefeated start to the campaign. Rashee Rice is the main concern while Isiah Pacheco and Hollywood Brown's respective absences loom large as well.
However, the Saints were dealt a big blow of their own with Thursday's surprise news that versatile offensive weapon Taysom Hill fractured his ribs and won't play on Monday.
Kansas City has struggled to contain tight ends this season. Hill has many roles, yet he fits the mold as someone who could've given the Chiefs' defense trouble were he able to suit up.
Saints Lose Taysom Hill to Injury Ahead of Chiefs Game
Hill hasn't operated as a pass-catcher thus far, but his experience at QB, TE, and RB makes him difficult to handle defensively. Without him, the Saints' offense loses it's wild card.
He scored two TDs against the Falcons last week and averages 5.5 yards per carry on the season. Regardless of how you feel about his overall effectiveness, his absence will be felt. Derek Carr, who the Chiefs are quite familiar with, still has Alvin Kamara, Chris Olave, and Rashid Shaheed to lean on, yet Hill was the unique difference-maker that helped New Orleans thrive.
Even with Hill's injury, Kansas City is missing more playmakers. This helps even the score a bit, though whether or not the Chiefs win ultimately comes down to the performance of Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce, and the defense.
It'll be a fun Monday Night Football matchup regardless, with Kansas City favored at FanDuel Sportsbook by 5.5 points at home. If they can contain Carr and the suddenly explosive New Orleans offense, they'll win despite the lengthy injury report.
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