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3 Injuries That Could Cost the Chiefs in Playoff Matchup vs Texans

By Steven Kubitza

The Chiefs need Travis Kelce to be at full health.
The Chiefs need Travis Kelce to be at full health. / Peter G. Aiken/Getty Images

The Kansas City Chiefs have dealt with some major injuries throughout the 2019 season. Patrick Mahomes had a scare earlier this year, but was thankfully able to return. However, others weren't and haven't been so lucky, and a few injuries could cost the Chiefs a win this weekend against the Houston Texans if Andy Reid doesn't have a superior game plan.

3. Juan Thornhill

Juan Thornhill was a top rookie before his injury.
Juan Thornhill was a top rookie before his injury. / Adam Glanzman/Getty Images

Thornhill was a starter all season in the secondary for the Chiefs. The 2019 second-round pick was fifth on the team in tackles and second in interceptions. Unfortunately, he tore his ACL in Week 17 and won't be coming back until (likely) the middle of next season. Despite being a rookie, he emerged as one of the better defenders on the team and quickly carved out a role. A new rotation in the secondary could pose a problem without Thornhill's presence.

2. Emmanuel Ogbah

Emmanuel Ogbah hit injured reserve earlier this season.
Emmanuel Ogbah hit injured reserve earlier this season. / Brett Carlsen/Getty Images

Ogbah joined the Chiefs in 2019 and posted 5.5 sacks before hitting injured reserve back in Week 10. With injuries in the secondary, the Chiefs are going to need a great pass rush to disrupt Deshaun Watson. The team has had time to get used to life without Ogbah, but he's still third on the team in sacks and his absence makes Chris Jones an obvious double-team candidate.

1. Travis Kelce

Travis Kelce showed up on the injury report.
Travis Kelce showed up on the injury report. / Stacy Revere/Getty Images

Chiefs fans were given a bit of a scare Thursday when Travis Kelce showed up on the injury report. He was limited with a knee injury and that's not a good sign. Kelce should suit up Sunday, but his true health status remains unknown. He's Mahomes' favorite target by far and any limitations completely change the offense's plans against the Texans.