Chiefs Release Injury Designations Ahead of Game vs. Bears

As the Kansas City Chiefs finish preparing for their Sunday matchup against the Chicago Bears, they now have bit a better idea of who the team may or may not be heading into the game with. 

Kansas City had five players miss Wednesday's practice due to injuries: linebackers Nick Bolton (ankle) and Willie Gay Jr. (quad), wide receivers Kadarius Toney (toe) and Richie James (knee), as well as running back Isiah Pacheco (hamstring). Gay and Pacheco were able to return to work on Thursday, with Toney joining them on Friday. Head coach Andy Reid said on Friday afternoon that Bolton and James were making progress, although they still weren't able to practice with their teammates.

The Chiefs' final injury report of the week provides some clarity for the situation. Here's the breakdown: 

• OUT: Bolton, James
• QUESTIONABLE: Gay, Pacheco, Toney
• NO DESIGNATION (WILL PLAY): CB L'Jarius Sneed (knee), OT Jawaan Taylor (shoulder), CB Nic Jones (hand), WR Justin Watson (ankle), CB Jaylen Watson (shoulder)

Seeing Bolton and James get ruled out should come as no surprise, especially considering that they didn't practice at all during the week. Bolton, specifically, exited Week 2's game against the Jacksonville Jaguars and later returned but appeared to be hobbled for the remainder of the contest. Without him in the fold, Reid said Kansas City will likely rely on offseason free agent signing Drue Tranquill to pick up the pieces. 

On Friday morning, I dove into some of the Chiefs' return game options under the assumption that James wouldn't be able to play. Justin Watson was my top pick:

When Watson originally signed with the Chiefs, many expected him to play a primary special teams role and not have much involvement in the offense. In the 2022 season, the exact opposite happened as the former Tampa Bay Buccaneer saw his special teams snap share come way down and his offensive snap share go way up. With James presumably on the shelf, perhaps it's time for a bit of balance in Watson's workload. This would also potentially open the door for another wide receiver to receive a handful of additional snaps should the Chiefs not want Watson to overexert himself. 

Of those who are listed as questionable, it's worth arguing that Gay and Pacheco may have a better chance of being active on Sunday than Toney due to their extra day of practice during the week. Gay, like Bolton, exited last weekend's game but later returned. Pacheco played all afternoon, with Toney coming in and out of the lineup on offense. Toney's participation in practice on Friday helps his probability of playing.

The Bears' final injury report of the week sees linebacker Khalid Kareem (hip) get ruled out. Chicago is listing defensive back Eddie Jackson (foot) as doubtful and offensive lineman Nate Davis (personal) as questionable. Kareem and Jackson missed Friday's practice, with Davis being a limited participant. The trio of wideout Darnell Mooney (knee), offensive lineman Lucas Patrick (illness) and defensive back Josh Blackwell (hamstring) participated fully in practice on Friday; they'll all play in Week 3.