The Kansas City Chiefs responded well after two straight defeats by pounding the lowly New York Jets by a score of 35-12. Patrick Mahomes may have avoided serious injury to his elbow in what looked like a gruesome collision, but the same cannot be said for the rest of the roster.
The Chiefs enter this game more banged up than they've been all year. Kahlil Benson and Josh Ezeudu remain at offensive tackle, in place of starters Josh Simmons and Jaylon Moore. Rookie first-rounders Peter Woods is out, and Mansoor Delane is questionable with the same nagging shoulder injury he's dealt with since August.
And earlier today, it was reported that star running back Kenneth Walker III would miss Sunday's matchup due to a groin injury that popped up on Friday. Nevertheless, Kansas City is 6-2 and travels to Atlanta to take on a floundering 3-6 Atlanta Falcons team.
With a handful of big-time Chiefs contributors out, it is of the highest importance that KC's roster depth shines through in this game. Here are three Chiefs players in store for a big game on Sunday.
Kansas City must rely on its depth and newest addition to play key parts in against Atlanta
Emmett Johnson
The Chiefs have largely relied on Walker to handle the bulk of the opportunities out of the backfield. His 185 touches far outweigh Johnson's 40. However, given when given the opportunity, the rookie out of Nebraska has made the most of them.
Look for Johnson to have at least 20 opportunities with the ball, and not just from the ground but through the air. His 16.9 yards per reception leads all backs at his position, and while some of that is propped up by his score from 73 yards out against Denver, Johnson is still a weapon in the open field and is not someone who falls on first contact.
Josh Downs
Just days after being traded to the Chiefs, it sounds like Josh Downs will be a go for the matchup in Atlanta. It's not known how many snaps Andy Reid will feel comfortable playing, but expect him to certainly be in the game during critical third downs and red zone plays.
Downs became the best separating receiver on the team the second he stepped off the flight in KC. While he may not put up huge numbers statistically, look for the impact he has on everybody else. Downs is someone defenses have to account for. He could help open up the middle of the field for the running game, as well as zone coverage holes for Rashee Rice and Travis Kelce.
Chamarri Conner
I get a feeling that Steve Spagnuolo is going to deploy Chamarri Conner is a facet of ways in this game. And while that is usually the case for a player as versatile as Conner, his making a couple of splash plays would be a huge factor in the Chiefs trying to hold Bijan Robinson at bay, as well as making sure Michael Penix Jr. does not find a rhythm.
Conner's 28 total tackles and one sack have been worth a whole lot more than his bigger numbers last season. It feels like the Chiefs have found a solution at slot corner that isn't him, which allows Spags to use Conner in more of a Swiss Army Knife-type of role. Expect to see number 27 flash on your screen throughout the game.
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