The Kansas City Chiefs turned in a dominant performance against the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday, but the 60 minutes of winning football saw multiple injury scares early and often.
On Kansas City’s first offensive possession, tight end Travis Kelce — who has been playing through an ankle injury — came up limping after making a 23-yard catch. While fans are used to seeing Kelce rest a moment on the sideline before reentering the game, this time the future Hall of Fame member was seen returning to the locker
room with training staff.
After Kansas City’s drive ended with a touchdown, the CBS broadcast showed fellow tight end Jared Wiley being carted back to the locker room. Kelce was ruled questionable and later returned. Wiley was almost immediately ruled out.
Later in the first half, right guard Trey Smith went into concussion protocol. Smith too was later ruled out.
Speaking after the game, head coach Andy Reid confirmed the worst news for Wiley.
“As far as the injuries go, Wiley,” said Reid, “it looks like he fractured his ankle. That’s not a good one. Trey is in the concussion protocol. So, we’ll see where that goes. Kelce left for a bit with a calf. He’s been battling this ankle. It’s all kind of part of it there. He got landed on it on that first catch and twisted it up a little bit.”
Smith’s return to action will require clearance from the team’s independent neuroglial consultant per the league’s concussion rules.
Center Creed Humphrey had played every snap in 2026 until Week 9’s blowout win over the New York Jets firmly entered garbage time. Humphey briefly left the field in pain against Atlanta after a hand to the face.
“Creed got poked in the eye,” Reid confirmed. Humphrey returned to play on the Chiefs’ next drive, and Reid showed no concern about his availability going forward.
Rookie cornerback Mansoor Delane has battled a shoulder fracture the entire season. After breaking up a pass in the end zone, Delane was reported to be in pain and receiving aid from trainers. Delane missed Kansas City’s previous two games.
Reid appeared confident that Delane avoided the worst case scenarios.
“He landed on his back and kind of up in that shoulder area,” Reid remarked. “I think it sacred him more than anything. He’s going to be alright.”
The Chiefs will welcome the Arizona Cardinals — now starting rookie quarterback Carson Beck — to Arrowhead Stadium in Week 11. With consecutive Thursday games against tough competition looming, we will see if the Chiefs are more conservative with injuries ahead of a short week.
We will monitor the status of these players — and running back Kenneth Walker, who was sidelined late in the week with a groin injury — when Kansas City returns to the practice field on Thursday.
