Five NFL players whose injuries could have major impact

Still, Mahomes' injury is concerning given the Chiefs daunting schedule. After facing Houston, Kansas City will play at Pittsburgh on Christmas Day, capping a stretch of three games in 11 days.

With 10 of the team's 14 games decided by one score this season and the AFC's top seed in sight, the Chiefs (13-1) cannot afford to lose their star QB.

Pittsburgh Steelers WR George Pickens (right hamstring)

The Steelers (10-4) lead the Baltimore Ravens by one game in the AFC North heading into their crucial Week 16 matchup on Saturday.

While Pickens has participated in individual drills in practice, NFL Network's Ian Rapoport told "Good Morning Football" on Thursday that he is "unlikely to be out there" on Saturday.

That is concerning for Pittsburgh. Since Russell Wilson took over at QB in Week 7, Pickens has produced all three of his TDs and at least 70 yards receiving in five games.

In the past two games without Pickens, Wilson has thrown for 158 and 128 yards. For the playoff-bound Steelers to make a deep postseason run, they need a healthy Pickens.

Steelers LB T.J. Watt (left ankle)

The Pittsburgh defense has a major concern as well after Watt rolled his ankle in a Week 15 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles.

In that same interview with "Good Morning Football," Rapoport said the Steelers are optimistic Watt will play Saturday.

Watt has been sensational throughout his career. This season, he has 38 solo tackles, 11.5 sacks and an NFL-high six forced fumbles.

According to TeamRankings, the Steelers defense is sixth in opponent points per game (18.9 PPG). Watt has been a huge catalyst toward their success, so his availability could make or break Pittsburgh's season.

San Francisco 49ers RB Isaac Guerendo (hamstring)

With injuries sidelining RBs Christian McCaffrey, Jordan Mason and Elijah Mitchell for the season, Guerendo has become a go-to option in the San Francisco offense.

Per ESPN's Adam Schefter, Guerendo is unlikely to play Sunday at Miami because of a hamstring injury.

The rookie out of Louisville has played well, rushing for 381 yards and four TDs. On Dec. 8 against Chicago, he had his first two-TD game.

The 49ers (6-8), the defending NFC champion, have slim hopes of making the postseason. If Guerendo cannot play Sunday, that would put San Francisco down to its fourth RB starter this season, which does not sound encouraging considering what is at stake.

Detroit Lions RB David Montgomery (right MCL tear)

Montgomery's injury was initially believed to be season-ending, but he is seeking a third opinion before a decision is officially reached.

Even after Detroit's loss to the Buffalo Bills in Week 15, the Lions (12-2) are still tied for the second-best record in the NFL, largely due to the dynamic run game of Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs.

The two have essentially split the snaps all season, with Gibbs having 1,047 rushing yards and 14 TDs (three receiving) and Montgomery with 775 rushing yards and 12 TDs.

The Lions are fortunate to have another talented RB to turn to if Montgomery is unable to play again this season. However, the balanced workload from the two has kept them fresh, which will not be the case if Gibbs must take on an increased workload.

Injuries are nothing new to Detroit. According to sportswriter Rick Gosselin of rickgosselin.com, "The Lions have now lost 39 games by starters due to injury this season." While that sounds concerning, the 2010 Green Bay Packers lost 91 games by starters and the 2003 New England Patriots lost 87 games by starters because of injuries. Both teams went on to win the Super Bowl.

Considering the many injuries the Lions have dealt with, their depth is going to be put to the test as the postseason approaches. History, however, seems to indicate that Detroit still has a shot at winning it all despite the injury setbacks.