In their Christmas Day matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders, the Kansas City Chiefs have officially ruled out wide receiver Kadarius Toney and running back Jerick McKinnon due to injuries. Both players were sidelined throughout the week’s practice sessions.
On the injury report, Toney is listed with a strained hip. Despite being the Chiefs’ second-leading wide receiver with 27 receptions, his recent performances have been overshadowed by significant mistakes. In the past two weeks alone, Toney was penalized for lining up offside, negating a potential game-winning touchdown in a narrow three-point loss to the Buffalo Bills. Additionally, he deflected a catchable pass, resulting in an interception during a crucial fourth-quarter moment against the New England Patriots.
Meanwhile, McKinnon, dealing with a groin injury, showcased versatility by catching one touchdown pass and throwing for another against the Patriots. With 25 receptions, he ranks fifth in receptions for the Chiefs and is tied for third in touchdowns with five. This marks McKinnon’s second absence of the season due to a groin injury, having missed two games earlier.
Adding to the Chiefs’ challenges, left tackle Donovan Smith will also be unavailable due to a neck injury. Smith, who has been sidelined for the past two games, leaves a notable gap in the offensive line. The Chiefs will need to navigate these key absences as they face the Raiders on this festive day.
