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Surprise Chief Suddenly Appears on Injury Report Before Texans Game

As Saturday's Week 16 game against the Houston Texans looms, the Kansas City Chiefs added a surprising player to Friday's injury report.

By Devon Platana

Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid reacts to a penalty during the second half against the Los Angeles Chargers at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.
Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid reacts to a penalty during the second half against the Los Angeles Chargers at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. / Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images
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The Kansas City Chiefs will play their final regular-season home game when they welcome the Houston Texans to GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium on Saturday.

Even though Andy Reid & Co. are already playoff-bound, the Chiefs still need to keep winning if they want to lock up the AFC No. 1 seed before January. A win over the Texans in Week 16 would certainly improve the odds of that happening, hence why Kansas City needs all hands on deck this weekend.

Unfortunately, it's beginning to look like the Chiefs will be without one of their key defenders Saturday afternoon.

Chiefs News: LB Leo Chenal (Illness) Added to Week 16 Injury Report

Following Friday's practice, A to Z Sports' Charles Goldman reported that Chiefs linebacker Leo Chenal is "questionable" to face the Texans due to an illness.

"It's that time of year for seasonal illnesses," Goldman wrote. "Hopefully, Chenal can get it under control enough to play on Saturday, but it could be tough with less than 24 hours to go."

Whether it's a common cold or the flu, illnesses are normal across the United States at this time of the year. Only time will tell if Chenal can heal up and power through it to face the Texans tomorrow.

A former 2022 third-round pick, Chenal has been one of the Chiefs' most productive linebackers this season. The 24-year-old defender has tallied 35 solo tackles, three defended passes, a trio of forced fumbles, and one sack while playing 41% of defensive snaps across 14 games this season.

Chanel's run-stopping abilities have played a big role in the Chiefs' defensive success this season. He's made 21 stops through the first 15 weeks while carrying a run defense grade of 91.4, which is the third-best mark across all linebackers, according to Pro Football Focus.

If Chenal can't suit up, the rest of Kansas City's LB room must step up in his absence. The Texans are averaging 111.4 rushing yards per game in 2024 (17th) and running back Joe Mixon has hit the 100-yard mark six times in his last nine outings.

Fortunately, things are still looking promising ahead of Week 16 despite Chenal's untimely injury news. FanDuel Sportsbook is currently listing the Chiefs as the 3.5-point favorites in a game where the Over on the 41.5-point total is being favored.

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