The Kansas City Chiefs continue losing starters to injuries. fractured his ankle last Sunday against the San Francisco 49ers and is expected to miss the remainder of the season. The third-year cornerback was having a breakout year in 2024 but his absence created a hole in the Chiefs’ secondary.The Chiefs have now lost starters at running back, wide receiver, and cornerback to major injuries this season. To make matters worse, Juju Smith-Schuster suffered a hamstring injury against the 49ers and will miss the team’s next game against the Las Vegas Raiders.
The Chiefs’ defense has been among the league’s best this season. Much of that has to do with Jaylen Watson’s performance. Along with leading the Chiefs in pass deflections, he is currently tied for third on the team in tackles.
Kansas City has a deep secondary, but the Chiefs’ latest injury creates a weakness on the outside across Trent McDuffie. The likely candidates to replace Watson are converted safety Nazeeh Johnson or undrafted rookie Christian Roland-Wallace. Neither have much experience lining up against starting NFL receivers.
Christian Roland-Wallace entered the game for Watson against the 49ers. Brock Purdy picked on him early, quickly completing two passes against him. However, Roland-Wallace intercepted Purdy later on to secure his first career turnover. Andy Reid and Steve Spagnuolo will have to decide if they want to take another chance on the rookie or start a more experienced corner against the Raiders.
The loss of Watson won’t just be felt in the secondary. His tackling ability provides great run support and keeps opposing backs from breaking off big gains. Watson’s toughness and effort in the trenches have helped the Chiefs give up just 90.5 rushing yards per game.
The Chiefs are still undefeated entering Week 8, but can they continue surviving so many long-term injuries?
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