Chiefs-Broncos Inactives: Elijah Mitchell Makes His Kansas City Debut
The Kansas City Chiefs will be without several key players for their upcoming game against the Denver Broncos. Running back Isiah Pacheco, guard Hunter Nourzad, tight end Jared Wiley, cornerback Joshua Williams, and wide receiver Jalen Royals will not be suiting up. Pacheco's absence was already anticipated, as he was ruled out on the injury report earlier in the week. The Chiefs decided not to elevate any players from the practice squad, unlike in Week 9 when they brought back Clyde Edwards-Helaire to fill Pacheco's role.
This means that Elijah Mitchell, who was signed to the practice squad, will make his Chiefs debut in Denver. The status of cornerback Kristian Fulton, who has been a healthy scratch in recent games, has also been a topic of discussion. However, he will be active for this game, marking his first appearance since Week 2 against the Philadelphia Eagles.
The Chiefs also made a change to their injury report on Sunday, adding tackle Jaylon Moore as questionable with an illness. Moore will play, and rookie Josh Simmons is expected to return to the lineup at left tackle after missing the past four games due to a personal situation. The team also added tackle Jaylon Moore to the injury report on Sunday, declaring him questionable with an illness. Moore will play on Sunday.
The Denver Broncos have also released their list of inactives, which includes several notable players. Cornerback Patrick Surtain II, arguably the league's best cornerback, is out due to a pectoral injury. Starting middle linebacker Alex Singleton will also miss the game as he deals with a recent cancer diagnosis. Additionally, rotational pass rusher Jonah Elliss and reserve tight end Nate Atkins will not be available due to injuries. Tackle Geron Christian, defensive tackle Jordan Jackson, and defensive end Sai'vion Jones will also not dress for the game.
The Broncos had initially declared running back J.K. Dobbins out with a foot injury sustained in Week 10. However, on Saturday, they placed him on the reserve/injured list, indicating a longer-term absence. The team also waived wideout Trent Sherfield, who was on the injury report with a toe injury. To compensate, they activated linebacker Garrett Wallow from the reserve/injured list and signed cornerback Reese Taylor from the practice squad. Taylor originally entered the league with the Chiefs in 2023 as an undrafted free agent out of Purdue.
The Broncos have elevated tight end Mercedes Lewis and linebacker Jordan Turner from the practice squad for the game. Both players will be active for the match.
