Chiefs' injury situation improves in final practice ahead of Week 5 'Monday Night Football' game vs. Saints

The Kansas City Chiefs and New Orleans Saints have completed their final practices as they prepare for their Week 5 game on "Monday Night Football."

Suboptimal is the word I'd use to describe both team's injury situations heading into Monday's game. Specifically, the offensive side of the ball should prove challenging for both teams. The Saints lack interior offensive line depth, especially at the center position. The Chiefs have injury challenges at the wide receiver and running back positions, but they're better off now than earlier this practice week. Which team will be able to overcome injuries to win in Week 5? 

Here's a look at the final injury report of the week for both teams. . .

Final Chiefs Injury Report

KEY: DNP = Did not participate | LP = Limited participation | FP = Full participation | NIR = Not injury related

Observations:

• Chiefs HC Andy Reid suggested the team would be OK with the wide receivers on the 53-man roster and wouldn't need to elevate one from the practice squad this week. That tells me Mecole Hardman is probably closer to probable than he is a questionable game status designation.

Final Saints Injury Report

KEY: DNP = Did not participate | LP = Limited participation | FP = Full participation | NIR = Not injury related

Observations:

• The Saints could realistically be without three of their top five offensive linemen on Monday night.
• No need to worry about versatile TE/HB Taysom Hill for Week 5 as his fractured ribs will keep him out.
• S Tyrann Mathieu and DT Khalen Saunders will be the only two Chiefs players to suit up on Monday night. Willie Gay Jr. was ruled out with a hand injury, while DE Tanoh Kpassagnon remains on the Reserve/PUP list.