Chiefs carry a remarkably healthy roster into an AFC West rivalry matchup, though one setback on the offensive front requires an adjustment
The Kansas City Chiefs are preparing to defend home turf in a pivotal Week 4 clash against their longtime division rivals. Navigating the opening month of an NFL campaign regularly tests roster endurance, but Andy Reid’s squad enters this rivalry weekend in premier physical shape.
While a dozen players surfaced on the preliminary practice sheets throughout the week, Friday’s final designations brought overwhelmingly positive news. Kansas City will have virtually every frontline playmaker ready for action on Sunday afternoon.
The lone significant injury concern sits on the offensive line. Tackle Josh Simmons has officially been ruled out for Week 4 after failing to practice at all during the week. Simmons logged consecutive non-participation tags on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday while battling an ongoing back injury.
His absence tests Kansas City’s perimeter blocking depth, forcing line coach Andy Heck to rely on his tackle rotation to keep the pocket clean and open rushing lanes on early downs.
Aside from Simmons, the Chiefs avoided handing a single questionable tag to any other player on the active roster.
Here's the final injury report for the Chiefs and Raiders. pic.twitter.com/91JeSrhcws
— Matt McMullen (@KCChiefs_Matt) October 2, 2026
Key offensive leaders show no limitations heading into Sunday
Patrick Mahomes was listed on the injury report with a knee issue, but his inclusion proved to be strictly procedural. The franchise quarterback took every first-team rep throughout the week, logging full participation on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. Mahomes carries no injury designation into the weekend and will lead the offense without restriction.
Article Continues BelowWide receiver Rashee Rice was also monitored during the week due to a knee issue. Rice silenced any concerns about his availability by working as a full participant in every practice session. With his speed, route running and yards-after-catch ability intact, Rice remains primed to serve as a primary target over the middle and across the intermediate areas of the field.
Defensive stars and secondary pieces cleared for kickoff
Defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo received a clean sweep of clearances across every level of his defense, ensuring his unit can attack with full personnel packages.
All-Pro defensive tackle Chris Jones managed a calf injury throughout the week but handled full workloads across Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. Jones brings his trademark interior disruption into Sunday without a game status tag. On the edge, defensive ends Felix Anudike-Uzomah and Ashton Gillotte both shook off physical ailments to log full participation all three days.
Anudike-Uzomah managed a quad issue, while Gillotte worked through a knee concern. Linebacker Jack Cochrane rounded out the front-seven clearances, practicing fully despite a calf issue.
The secondary saw equally encouraging progress. Cornerback L'Jarius Sneed opened the week with consecutive limited sessions on Wednesday and Thursday while managing a knee issue. However, Sneed ramped up his activity on Friday, logging a full practice that removed any doubt about his status for Sunday.
Defensive backs Chamarri Conner and Jadon Canady each handled full practices Wednesday through Friday while managing knee ailments. Cornerback Christian Roland-Wallace also avoided an injury designation after participating fully on Wednesday despite a shoulder concern, sitting out subsequent days purely for maintenance.
With every defensive back cleared to dress, Kansas City enters Sunday's divisional showcase with complete scheme versatility and depth across the entire roster.