Dec 18, 2022; Houston, Texas, USA; Kansas City Chiefs guard Trey Smith (65) and linebacker Willie Gay (50) walk off the field after the game against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

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Week 16 Saturday Night Football Chiefs vs Texans Injury Report: Who’s in, Who’s out?

Week 16 Chiefs vs Texans injury report

The Kansas City Chiefs (13-1) are gearing up to host the Houston Texans (9-5) at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium on Saturday, Dec. 21, at 1 p.m. ET. With both teams vying for top playoff positions, injuries could play a pivotal role in the outcome. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the injury report and its implications for the game.

Kansas Chiefs vs. Houston Texans game info

Game Time: Saturday, 1 p.m. ET
Location: GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City, Missouri
TV Info: NBC

Chiefs injury report

Patrick Mahomes (QB): Full Participation (Ankle)
Jawaan Taylor (OT): Full Participation (Knee)
Harrison Butker (K): Full Participation (Knee)
Marquise Brown (WR): Full Participation (Shoulder)
Creed Humphrey (C): Full Participation (Ankle)
D.J. Humphries (OT): Did Not Participate (Hamstring)
Chamarri Conner (DB): Did Not Participate (Concussion)

Key absences:

While Mahomes is practicing fully, his ankle injury from Week 15 is worth monitoring. The Chiefs will also miss D.J. Humphries and Chamarri Conner, potentially affecting their protection and secondary depth.

The Chiefs and Texans come up CLUTCH when the game's on the line. pic.twitter.com/bNO3mya2rI
— Sunday Night Football on NBC (@SNFonNBC) December 19, 2024

Texans injury report

Joe Mixon (RB): Limited Participation (Ankle)
Christian Harris (LB): Did Not Participate (Ankle)
Cade Stover (TE): Did Not Participate (Illness)
Juice Scruggs (OL): Did Not Participate (Foot)
John Metchie (WR): Did Not Participate (Shoulder)
Folorunso Fatukasi (DT): Did Not Participate (Ankle)
Del’Shawn Phillips (LB): Full Participation (Foot)
Kenyon Green (OG): Full Participation (Shoulder)

Key absences:

The Texans’ offense takes a hit with John Metchie and Cade Stover sidelined. Their defense will also feel the loss of Folorunso Fatukasi, especially against Kansas City’s dynamic attack.

Kansas City Chiefs Comprehensive Injury Report

Player	Position	Injury	Tues.	Wed.	Thurs.	Game
Chamarri Conner	DB	Concussion	DNP	DNP	DNP	Out
D.J. Humphries	T	Hamstring	DNP	DNP	DNP	Out
Hollywood Brown	WR	Shoulder	FP	FP	FP	—
Creed Humphrey	C	Ankle	FP	FP	FP	—
Harrison Butker	K	Left Knee	FP	FP	FP	—
Patrick Mahomes	QB	Ankle	FP	FP	FP	—
Jawaan Taylor	T	Knee	FP	FP	FP	—

Houston Texans Comprehensive Injury Report

Player	Position	Injury	Tues.	Wed.	Thurs.	Game
Folorunso Fatukasi	DT	Ankle	DNP	DNP	DNP	Out
John Metchie III	WR	Shoulder	DNP	DNP	DNP	Out
Davis Mills	QB	Illness	DNP	FP	FP	—
Del’Shawn Phillips	LB	Foot	DNP	LP	FP	—
Juice Scruggs	C/G	Foot	DNP	DNP	DNP	Out
Cade Stover	TE	Illness	DNP	DNP	DNP	Out
Joe Mixon	RB	NIR (Rest)	LP	LP	LP	—
Kenyon Green	G	Shoulder	FP	FP	FP	—
Nick Broeker	G	Hand	—	FP	FP	—
Christian Harris	LB	Ankle	—	—	DNP	Questionable

Key storylines to watch for Chiefs vs. Texans

Can C.J. Stroud keep the Texans rolling?

C.J. Stroud is on a hot streak. The Texans’ quarterback is coming off a big win against Miami, where he threw two touchdowns to Nico Collins and posted a passer rating of 106.4. Now, he’s leading Houston into Kansas City, hoping for their third straight win.

But the Chiefs’ defense isn’t going to make it easy. Last week, they put on a show against Cleveland with six takeaways and five sacks. Stroud praised their secondary, saying, “They play well together… they always rotate and switch their coverage really late.”

Chiefs defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo also had high praise for Stroud, calling him “really poised for a second-year quarterback.” The chess match between Stroud and Kansas City’s defense will be one to watch.

Can the Texans capitalize on Mahomes’ struggles?

Patrick Mahomes is still Patrick Mahomes, but this season hasn’t been easy for him. He’s been sacked a career-high 35 times and hit more than any other quarterback in the league. Last week, Mahomes left the Browns game with an ankle injury, but he’s been practicing fully this week.

Houston’s defense, led by Danielle Hunter (12.5 sacks) and Will Anderson Jr. (10.5 sacks), will be looking to add to Mahomes’ misery. Mahomes knows the challenge ahead, saying, “This is a good pass rush… they’ll fly around.” If Houston can keep Mahomes under pressure, they might just have a shot.

Can the Chiefs slow down Nico Collins?

Nico Collins has been a game-changer for Houston this season. He’s just 151 yards shy of hitting 1,000 yards and has six touchdown catches so far. With him on the field, the Texans have won seven of their nine games.

The Chiefs will need their best from Trent McDuffie to slow Collins down. Stroud had high praise for McDuffie, calling him “a top-5 defensive player in this league.” McDuffie has been versatile this season, switching between nickel and corner roles. The matchup between Collins and McDuffie could swing the game.

Where and how to watch Chiefs vs. Texans

Date and Time: Saturday, December 21, 2024, at 1 p.m. ET
TV Broadcast: NBC
Streaming: Peacock
Radio:
- Chiefs Radio Network (106.5 FM)
- Tico Sports (Spanish broadcast)

Image via: © Troy Taormina-Imagn Images

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Natasha Bose

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