Kansas City Chiefs News

Chiefs move past first loss, place target on Panthers

Chiefs move past first loss, place target on Panthers

Rested and ready, the Carolina Panthers might find a testy crew of Kansas City Chiefs when Patrick Mahomes plays in Charlotte for the first time Sunday afternoon.The Panthers (3-7) have won two games in a row and are coming off an open week.The Chiefs (9-1) don't have a winning streak for the first time since January. They lost last weekend at Buffalo, though they share the best record in the NFL with the Detroit Lions.The Chiefs are bound to be paying attention to more details after a rare disappointment for the two-time reigning Super Bowl champions."Try to use this as a spark so that we can be a better football team in the end," Mahomes said of the loss to the Bills.Mahomes said the Chiefs are keeping perspective after their first defeat since Christmas Day 2023 (20-14 to the Las Vegas Raiders)."The undefeated thing was cool, but that's not our ultimate goal," he said.Kansas City lost back-to-back games once last season but not during their 14-3 season in 2022. They dropped two in a row once in 2021 and finished 12-5 but ran up a 14-2 record in 2020 without losing consecutive games.Chiefs head coach Andy Reid said the focus clicked quickly from Buffalo to the Panthers without players discussing being undefeated."I don't really hear a lot of that talk from them or think they care too much about that, other than exhausting yourself the best you can to prepare yourself for that team there that week." Reid said. "Then you get to a point where you say, 'Listen, I've done everything I possibly can. Here's a product.' And you go play."Mahomes challenges defenses in multiple ways even operating with an offense dented by injuries. There's a chance running back Isiah Pacheco (broken leg) returns from injured reserve, but Reid said that decision wouldn't be made until late in the week.Pacheco's hard-charging style commands a team approach to tackling, but Carolina doesn't want to distract from intent to keep Mahomes under wraps.With defensive backs doing better at formation identification, the Panthers are giving themselves a stronger chance to be effective at the back end."And making plays when the ball comes to them," first-year coach Dave Canales said. "So a lot of growth there."The Panthers are sticking with Bryce Young at quarterback, something that was expected given a couple of victories since he returned to the first-string role.
Chiefs RB Isiah Pacheco (leg) could return from IR this week

Chiefs RB Isiah Pacheco (leg) could return from IR this week

Kansas CIty Chiefs running back Isiah Pacheco could make his return from injured reserve and play Sunday against the Carolina Panthers.But he and fellow return-from-IR candidate Charles Omenihu have some work to do, head coach Andy Reid said Wednesday."We'll see. Kind of go through the practice week, see where we're at the end of this week, and we'll go from there," Reid said. "But yeah, just have to see. (It's a) day-by-day type thing."Pacheco had 34 carries for 135 yards when he fractured the fibula in his right leg in a Week 2 meeting with the Cincinnati Bengals.While the Chiefs opened the 21-day window for Pacheco and Omenihu last week, Reid immediately ruled out playing either one at Buffalo. He's keeping the door open for one or both to show they're ready to play in the Week 12 game in Charlotte, but he's not going to let Pacheco determine his return date without medical input."He's a spark plug now, emotionally," Reid said. "He's something that way and he's worked his tail off to get to the point that he's at now. We've got to keep an eye on him that way. He would have played three weeks ago if he had his choice, but that's sometimes how it goes. I appreciate that mentality. That's what's helped him get to this point."
Josh Allen's clutch TD run ices Bills' win over Chiefs

Josh Allen's clutch TD run ices Bills' win over Chiefs

Josh Allen's 26-yard touchdown run on fourth-and-2 with just more than two minutes left sealed the Buffalo Bills' 30-21 win Sunday and dealt the visiting Kansas City Chiefs their first loss of the season.Facing the choice of attempting a short field goal or handing the defending Super Bowl champions and quarterback Patrick Mahomes the ball and time to drive for a win, Bills coach Sean McDermott turned the game over to Allen, who first looked to pass, then diced through a Chiefs defense that is among the league's best against the run.The Bills improved to 9-2. The Chiefs fell to 9-1.Allen completed 27 of 40 passes for 262 yards and led the Bills (9-2) with 55 rush yards.Buffalo appeared to take control by dominating the time of possession in the second half, a category the Chiefs have controlled.With the Bills defense containing Mahomes, Allen bloomed in the fourth quarter. His 12-yard pass to wideout Curtis Samuel with 12:51 left paid off a 10-play, 83-yard drive that took six minutes off the clock and gave the Bills a 23-14 lead.But Mahomes led the Chiefs 70 yards in 4:58 to trim the lead to 23-21 on his second touchdown pass -- a 1-yarder -- pass to tight end Noah Gray.Buffalo has won six straight this season and the last four regular-season games in the series. The eventual Super Bowl champion Chiefs eliminated the Bills in the divisional round of the playoffs in Buffalo in January, however.
Chiefs K Harrison Butker undergoes surgery on left knee

Chiefs K Harrison Butker undergoes surgery on left knee

Kansas City Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker reported Friday that surgery on his left knee was done and was a success."Surgery went great! Thank you for the prayers," Butker wrote on X.The Chiefs announced Friday they had placed Butker, 29, on injured reserve and confirmed the signing of kicker Spencer Shrader, who had been on the New York Jets practice squad.Eighth among NFL kickers in points with 75 this season, Butker connected on 18 of 20 field-goal attempts and 21 of 22 extra points. Both of the missed field goals were on tries beyond 50 yards.Butker's career 89.21 field-goal percentage ranks third in NFL history. He has won three Super Bowl titles with Kansas City.
Chiefs pluck untested Spencer Shrader from Jets, place PK Harrison Butker (knee) on IR

Chiefs pluck untested Spencer Shrader from Jets, place PK Harrison Butker (knee) on IR

Harrison Butker landed on injured reserve with a left knee injury, forcing the undefeated Kansas City Chiefs to sign a replacement, Spencer Shrader, off the Jets' practice squad on Thursday.Butker won't be on the field when the Chiefs (9-0) visit the Buffalo Bills (8-2) on Sunday trying to win an 16th consecutive game dating to last season.Eighth among NFL kickers in points with 75 this season, Butker connected on 18 of 20 field-goal attempts and 21 of 22 extra points. Both of the missed field goals were on tries beyond 50 yards.Butker's career 89.21 field-goal percentage ranks third in NFL history.The Chiefs have won seven of nine games by a one-possession margin in 2024. Their last visit to Buffalo was a 27-24 nail-biter win in last seasons's AFC Divisional Playoffs, and the regular-season meeting with the Bills was a 20-17 loss. The Chiefs also dropped a 24-20 decision to the Bills in the 2022 regular season.A 25-year-old rookie from Notre Dame, Shrader connected on both of his field-goal attempts for the Jets last week at Arizona. He joined the Jets after being released by the Indianapolis Colts, who used Shrader in Week 1 for three successful PATs as the injury replacement for placekicker Matt Gay.He entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent and played college football only after first pursuing a pro soccer career. He enrolled at USF in 2019 and was the primary kicker for four seasons. As a graduate transfer in 2023, Shrader had four 50-yard field goals for the Fighting Irish.
Quest for perfection takes Chiefs back to Buffalo

Quest for perfection takes Chiefs back to Buffalo

Revenge might be best served in the playoffs, but the Buffalo Bills are in position to score a few points toward redemption when they welcome the undefeated Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday.The Bills (8-2) appear to be the greatest impediment standing in the way of the back-to-back Super Bowl champion Chiefs becoming the first NFL team to go undefeated in the regular season since the New England Patriots in 2007.History and hyperbole are plentiful as the Chiefs (9-0) land in Buffalo for what is being framed as the marquee game of Week 11 and potentially the 2024 regular season.Based on recent matchups between these rivals, the final minutes are likely to be worth the wait yet again in this storybook series. The Chiefs have come from behind eight times this season, while the Bills have won three teams when trailing at the half.It's just the fifth time since 1970 that NFL teams with eight or more wins meet in Week 11 or sooner. The home team won each of the previous four matchups.Kansas City is attempting to become the first team to go undefeated in a 17-game regular season.It's tough to discern where the momentum stands even with the Chiefs entering the game undefeated.They needed a last-second blocked field goal to knock off the Denver Broncos last week, sparking Mahomes to send a warning to his teammates."I mean, you're playing the best. The best of the best. That's what you want in this league," he said of facing Josh Allen and the Bills. "I've been able to go up against Josh a multitude of times, and every single game it seems like it comes down to the very end. He is a guy that competes and has that fire. I think you can see that fire that he plays with and that kind of goes through his entire team."Buffalo, which has won five consecutive wins overall, has claimed the past three regular-season games in the series, all of which were played in Kansas City. And the Bills can still tap into a revenge factor. The eventual repeat Super Bowl champion Chiefs eliminated the Bills in the AFC divisional playoffs 27-24 at Buffalo in January.Despite owning good individual stats against Kansas City, Allen is focusing on the bottom line."I know we haven't beat them in the playoffs," he said on Wednesday, "so that's the only thing that really matters."The matchup features two of the most successful quarterbacks in the NFL: two-time MVP Mahomes and the decorated but overshadowed Allen.Their offenses have been getting the job done in different ways. Although Mahomes has just three more touchdowns (12) than interceptions, Kansas City hangs onto the ball thanks to a league-leading third-down conversion rate (52 percent).The Bills are tied for third in points per game (29) -- the Chiefs average 24.3 -- and Allen didn't throw two picks in a game until a win over the Indianapolis Colts last week.Buffalo leads the NFL in turnover margin at plus-13. And the Bills bring a respectable defense of their own. The group is allowing just 19.3 points per game and has 19 takeaways, the latter figure ranking second in the league.
Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes: Home burglary 'frustrating'

Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes: Home burglary 'frustrating'

Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes and tight end Travis Kelce had their homes burglarized last month and authorities have yet to make an arrest in either incident.Mahomes confirmed his home in Cass County, a gated community which requires visitors to clear through two access points to enter the neighborhood, was hit around midnight on Sunday, Oct. 6. Police reports credit a bodyguard with alerting authorities."Obviously, it's frustrating. It's disappointing. I can't get into too many of the details because the investigation is still ongoing," Mahomes said Wednesday. "But obviously it's something that you don't want to happen to, really anybody, but obviously yourself."Mahomes' sprawling residence in Belton, Mo., was burglarized not long before Kelce's Leawood, Kan., home was broken into early in the morning of Oct. 7 on the night of the Chiefs' win over the New Orleans Saints on "Monday Night Football."
Reports: Chiefs RB Isiah Pacheco, DE Charles Omenihu return

Reports: Chiefs RB Isiah Pacheco, DE Charles Omenihu return

The Kansas City Chiefs designated running back Isiah Pacheco and defensive end Charles Omenihu to return to practice this week, multiple outlets reported Tuesday.They could be available for Sunday's showdown as the undefeated Chiefs (9-0) visit the Buffalo Bills (8-2) for a clash of AFC division leaders in Orchard Park, N.Y.Pacheco was placed on injured reserve Sept. 18 with a broken fibula sustained in a Week 2 victory against the Cincinnati Bengals.Omenihu has been recovering from a torn ACL sustained in last year's AFC Championship Game victory over the Baltimore Ravens.
Chiefs remain unbeaten by sneaking past Broncos

Chiefs remain unbeaten by sneaking past Broncos

Harrison Butker kicked three field goals, including a go-ahead 20-yarder with 5:57 left, and Leo Chenal blocked a 35-yard field goal as time expired as the host Kansas City Chiefs rallied to defeat the Denver Broncos 16-14 on Sunday to remain unbeaten.Patrick Mahomes threw for 266 yards and a touchdown for the Chiefs (9-0), who exhaled after a late blunder put them in a precarious position.Butker, who also connected on field goals of 36 and 28 yards, sent the kickoff after his final make of the afternoon out of bounds, giving the Broncos the ball at their own 40-yard line.Denver (5-5) capitalized on favorable field position and was set up for a chip shot to win the game, but Chenal and the special teams preserved the victory by blocking Wil Lutz's field-goal attempt.A defensive turnaround spurred the Chiefs and helped offset inconsistency in the red zone. After allowing 192 yards in the first half, Kansas City yielded just 68 yards in the second half.Denver took a 14-10 lead into halftime, moving the ball quickly and effectively during a pair of second-quarter touchdown drives.Bo Nix, who was 14-for-20 passing for 160 yards in the first half, ended both possessions with touchdown passes, connecting with Devaughn Vele for 6 yards and with Courtland Sutton for 32.Nix finished 22 of 30 for 215 yards. Audric Estime gained 53 yards on 14 yards and Sutton had six caches for 70 yards.Sutton's TD with 6:39 to go in the second quarter put the Broncos ahead 14-3, marking the largest deficit the Chiefs have faced during their 15-game winning streak that includes the postseason.
Unbeaten Chiefs get first look at Broncos QB Bo Nix

Unbeaten Chiefs get first look at Broncos QB Bo Nix

Quarterback Patrick Mahomes kept the Kansas City Chiefs perfect with an overtime win against the visiting Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Monday.While Mahomes is dealing with a sore left ankle, he insists it won't be a concern Sunday as the unbeaten Chiefs host the Denver Broncos."When you have a little bit of a roll, it's a little bit sore," Mahomes said of his ankle ailment, which he aggravated on Monday. "But I'm able to move around and look forward to getting out to practice and seeing how I can push it as the week goes on."Kareem Hunt scored a 2-yard touchdown run in OT to give the Chiefs a 30-24 victory and cap a 106-yard day on the ground.Despite hobbling off the field against Tampa Bay due to the ankle injury that first occurred a week earlier, Mahomes went 34-for-44 for 291 yards and three touchdowns.Recent acquisition DeAndre Hopkins had eight receptions for 86 yards and two touchdowns while tight end Travis Kelce enjoyed his biggest game of the season, catching 14 passes for 100 yards.Now Kansas City will take aim at AFC West rival Denver (5-4). Off to an 8-0 start for the third time in franchise history, the Chiefs enter with a 14-game winning streak dating to last year, including the postseason.With Mahomes' mobility possibly in question due to the ankle issue, the quality of the footing on the field might turn into an issue on Sunday. Not only is there a chance of rain this weekend in Kansas City, but the game will follow a Saturday college contest between Kansas and Iowa State at Arrowhead Stadium.The Jayhawks are playing four games in Kansas City, Mo., this season (plus two in Kansas City, Kan.) as their campus venue in Lawrence, Kan., is renovated.Kansas City boasts a stranglehold on the recent series with Denver, earning victories in 16 of the past 17 matchups since 2015. The only Broncos win in that span was the latest meeting, a 24-9 decision in October 2023 at Denver.
No limitations for Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes (ankle)

No limitations for Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes (ankle)

Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes won't be limited in practice after aggravating his injured ankle in Monday night's game.Mahomes said Wednesday that he's able to "move around" on the ankle, which he said is sore "when you have a little bit of a roll." He told reporters he's looking "forward to getting out to practice and seeing how I can push it as the week goes on."The unbeaten Chiefs (8-0) begin practicing for a game against division rival Denver (5-4) on Sunday in K.C.Mahomes aggravated the ankle on a touchdown pass to Samaje Perine in the fourth quarter of the Chiefs' 30-24 overtime win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Monday night. Mahomes had to be helped to the sideline but did not miss a play. He threw for 291 yards and three TDs.
Chiefs need OT before besting Bucs to remain unbeaten

Chiefs need OT before besting Bucs to remain unbeaten

Kareem Hunt bulled his way in for the decisive 2-yard rushing score with 4:08 left in overtime and the Kansas City Chiefs remained unbeaten with a 30-24 victory over the visiting Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Monday night.Patrick Mahomes passed for 291 yards and three touchdowns despite aggravating his left ankle injury while helping Kansas City (8-0) win its 14th consecutive game, including the postseason. DeAndre Hopkins caught two touchdown passes in his second game for Kansas City.The Buccaneers scored a tying touchdown in the final minute of regulation, but the Chiefs won the coin toss at the start of overtime and never allowed Tampa Bay to possess the ball again. It was the first time all season Kansas City reached the 30-point mark.Hunt rushed for 106 yards on 27 carries, Travis Kelce had 14 receptions for 100 yards and Hopkins had eight catches for 86 yards. Mahomes connected on 34 of 44 passes.Baker Mayfield completed 23 of 31 passes for 200 yards and two touchdowns for the Buccaneers (4-5). Cade Otton had eight receptions for 77 yards and a touchdown, and Ryan Miller caught the tying 1-yard pass with 27 seconds to play in the fourth quarter.Kansas City drove 70 yards on 10 plays in overtime.The Chiefs knotted the score at 17 on Mahomes' 7-yard touchdown pass to Samaje Perine with 14:14 left in the fourth.Mahomes reinjured the ankle on the play. He was running toward the line of scrimmage and took an awkward step before making a shot put-like throw to Perine.Mahomes eventually needed to be helped off the field, and he entered the medical tent. A short time later, Mahomes jogged down the sideline and then returned to the contest when Kansas City next had possession.Mahomes wasn't hampered on the Chiefs' ensuing march as he guided a 15-play, 78-yard drive over 8:26 during pouring rain. He hit Hopkins with a 5-yard scoring pass to give Kansas City a 24-17 lead with 4:17 to go.The Buccaneers answered with a 10-play, 71-yard drive to force OT.
Week 9 MNF: Chiefs-Buccaneers Preview, Props & Prediction

Week 9 MNF: Chiefs-Buccaneers Preview, Props & Prediction

The Chiefs try to keep their perfect season alive when they host the Buccaneers on Monday night.Despite being 7-0, things haven't gone smoothly for Kansas City with mounting injuries at skill positions.Wide receivers Rashee Rice (knee), Hollywood Brown (shoulder), and Skyy Moore (groin) are all on injured reserve, while JuJu Smith-Schuster will miss a second straight week after reaggravating his hamstring.Kansas City is also without starting running back Isiah Pacheco (fibula).But the Chiefs moved quickly to add reinforcements, signing free agent running back Kareem Hunt and trading for veteran wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins.The Buccaneers won't have much sympathy for the Chiefs. Tampa Bay lost top two best wide receivers, Chris Godwin (ankle) and Mike Evans (hamstring), to injuries in Week 7.Back-to-back defeats dropped the Bucs to 4-4, and it's unlikely that the team will be a buyer before the trade deadline.As things stand, it's difficult to see a path to victory for the Buccaneers in what figures to be a tricky spot on the road against the Chiefs.Weather could lead to slow start for BuccaneersWhile it's fair to debate whether Kansas City is worthy of being a massive 9-point favorite, there are other factors we must consider for this matchup.The weather could play a critical role as the forecast calls for extended periods of rain with wind.Such conditions could be detrimental for the Bucs, who are more used to playing under clear skies and warm Florida sun.If the Buccaneers fall behind, it's difficult to see the offense gaining traction after consecutive double-digit losses.Considering their injuries at wide receiver, the last thing you'd want if you're Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield is to throw a wet ball to receivers who lack significant reps with the first team.
Undefeated Chiefs, uncharacteristictally unimpressive, take on Bucs

Undefeated Chiefs, uncharacteristictally unimpressive, take on Bucs

The Kansas City Chiefs are the only undefeated team in the NFL, but they haven't displayed a dominant show of success.And that's totally fine with Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes.Mahomes and the Chiefs (7-0) will look to continue their winning ways Monday night when they host the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.Five of Kansas City's victories were by seven points or fewer, and the offense hasn't scored 30 yet this season.And Mahomes, a two-time NFL Most Valuable Player, doesn't have dazzling statistics. He ranks 16th in passing yardage (1,651) and has more interceptions (nine) than touchdown passes (eight)."When we win, it doesn't as hurt as bad," Mahomes said of the statistics. "Obviously, I want to be perfect, I want to be great, I don't want to put our defense in bad positions like the other day. At the end of the day, I want to win."However we have to win the football game, I'm good with it."The Kansas City defense certainly saved Mahomes on Oct. 27 during a 27-20 victory over the Las Vegas Raiders.The Chiefs were leading 17-13 midway through the third quarter when Mahomes threw an interception in his own end, setting the Raiders up with first-and-goal from the Kansas City 3-yard line. The defense stuffed three straight running plays, and Tershawn Wharton sacked Gardner Minshew on fourth down to avoid damage.That sequence also displays why the Chiefs are unbeaten -- getting key contributions and making big plays at the right time."We've just got to keep getting better and better as we go," Chiefs coach Andy Reid said. "That's the important thing, and guys are working hard."Kansas City experienced bumps last season as well before putting things together and winning its third Super Bowl during the Reid-Mahomes era. The Chiefs have won 13 consecutive games (counting playoffs) entering the game against the Buccaneers (4-4).Tampa Bay, which has dropped its past two games, is averaging 34.2 points over the past five games but has just two victories during that stretch.Quarterback Baker Mayfield isn't impressed with all the points his club has scored. He also is not boasting about leading the NFL with 21 touchdown passes and ranking second in yardage (2,189)."The one stat we should be better in is wins," Mayfield said. "That's the one stat I'm focused on."
Reports: Chiefs acquire OLB Josh Uche from Patriots

Reports: Chiefs acquire OLB Josh Uche from Patriots

The Kansas City Chiefs acquired pass-rusher Josh Uche from the New England Patriots on Monday, multiple outlets reported.The Chiefs are sending a 2026 sixth-round pick to the Patriots, NFL Network reported.Uche was an 11th-hour "healthy scratch" ahead of New England's win over the New York Jets on Sunday.
Patrick Mahomes, Chiefs hold off Raiders to stay unbeaten

Patrick Mahomes, Chiefs hold off Raiders to stay unbeaten

Patrick Mahomes completed 27 of 38 passes for 262 yards, two touchdowns and one interception, and the Kansas City Chiefs held on for a 27-20 win over the host Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday afternoon.Travis Kelce had 10 catches for 90 yards and a touchdown for Kansas City (7-0), which is the NFL's last unbeaten team this season. Kareem Hunt added a touchdown on the ground and Xavier Worthy had a TD catch.Gardner Minshew completed 24 of 30 passes for 209 yards and two touchdowns for Las Vegas (2-6). Jakobi Meyers and D.J. Turner had one touchdown catch apiece.Kansas City outgained Las Vegas 334-228. The Chiefs converted 12 of 16 opportunities on third down for a 75 percent success rate, and the Raiders converted six of 13 third-down chances for a 46 percent success rate.The Chiefs opened the scoring on their first possession. Hunt finished the 70-yard drive with a 1-yard run for his fourth touchdown in as many games this season.The Raiders evened the score at 7-7 with 2:39 remaining in the first quarter. Minshew connected with Meyers for a 7-yard touchdown to complete a 12-play, 70-yard drive.Daniel Carlson drilled a 54-yard field goal to put the Raiders on top 10-7 with 10:13 to go in the second quarter.Kansas City regained a 14-10 lead with 1:57 left in the second quarter. Mahomes spotted Kelce open near the goal line and fired a strike for a 5-yard score.Harrison Butker added a 42-yard field goal to increase the Chiefs' lead to 17-10 with 4 seconds left in the first half.
Patrick Mahomes, Chiefs put unbeaten streak on line vs. Raiders

Patrick Mahomes, Chiefs put unbeaten streak on line vs. Raiders

The Kansas City Chiefs, the NFL's sole remaining unbeaten team, will try to continue that streak Sunday on the road against the Las Vegas Raiders.The reigning Super Bowl champions, the Chiefs (6-0) haven't lost since last Christmas Day -- 20-14 to the Raiders.And it's likely the Chiefs will take a new present to Las Vegas. Reports surfaced earlier this week that the team was acquiring wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins from the Tennessee Titans. The 12th-year receiver has totaled just 15 receptions for 173 yards and a touchdown in six games for the Titans, but the three-time All-Pro has seven 1,000-yard seasons to his credit, including last season when he posted 75 receptions for 1,057 yards and seven scores.The Chiefs need help in their receiver corps as JuJu Smith-Schuster left Sunday's 28-18 victory over the San Francisco 49ers after aggravating a hamstring injury. Coach Andy Reid already ruled out Smith-Schuster against the Raiders.Meanwhile, the Chiefs offense is operating without Rashee Rice, who is expected to miss the rest of the season after suffering a serious knee injury in a Week 4 contest against the Los Angeles Chargers.With the trade not yet official on Wednesday afternoon, Reid declined to talk about Hopkins during his midweek availability with the media. However, quarterback Patrick Mahomes already is looking forward to playing with Hopkins."I think our coaches do a great job of getting guys up to speed, and you've seen that throughout this year already," Mahomes told reporters Wednesday. "Bringing in guys, getting them up to speed fast, and then let them go out there and make an impact and do what they're great at."Raiders coach Antonio Pierce told reporters Wednesday that he expects the Chiefs to have a few plays designed for Hopkins should he be on the roster Sunday.Hopkins wouldn't be the Raiders' only concern against the Chiefs, however."To be honest, no disrespect to Hop, this offense still goes through (tight end Travis Kelce) and (rookie receiver Xavier) Worthy now down the field vertically," Pierce said.
Chiefs welcome WR DeAndre Hopkins

Chiefs welcome WR DeAndre Hopkins

Three-time All-Pro wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins is in a rush to get acclimated to the Kansas City Chiefs.Hopkins' acquisition from the Tennessee Titans became official Thursday with the Chiefs parting with a conditional fifth-round draft pick to land the 32-year-old. NFL Network reported the compensation would become a fourth-round selection if Kansas City reaches the Super Bowl and Hopkins plays 60 percent of the snaps in the Chiefs' final 11 regular-season games.The Chiefs are all hands on deck at wide receiver these days due to injuries. Marquise "Hollywood" Brown (shoulder) and Rashee Rice (right knee) are on IR and JuJu Smith-Schuster aggravated a hamstring injury in Kansas City's 28-18 victory over the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday. Smith-Schuster already has been ruled out for the Chiefs (6-0) ahead of this Sunday's game against the host Las Vegas Raiders (2-5).Hopkins has 15 catches for 173 yards and a touchdown in six games (three starts) for the Titans this season.Adding to the offensive arsenal on the fly is nothing new for quarterback Patrick Mahomes, who is sharing the backfield with recently re-signed Kareem Hunt with Isiah Pacheco (leg) on injured reserve. The Chiefs acquired wide receivers at midseason the past two years, landing Kadarius Toney from the Giants in 2022 and Mecole Hardman from the Jets last fall.Hopkins brings a minuscule drop rate -- under 4 percent -- and a penchant for coming down with passes in jump-ball situations. Those factors could show up quickly for an offense uncharacteristically punchless in the red zone before getting four touchdowns in five trips inside the 49ers' 20 last week.
Chiefs CB Jaylen Watson (ankle) on IR, set for surgery

Chiefs CB Jaylen Watson (ankle) on IR, set for surgery

The Kansas City Chiefs placed cornerback Jaylen Watson on injured reserve Tuesday and could be without him for the rest of the season.Watson will have surgery on a broken fibula and tibia in his ankle, ESPN reported, and while he could make it back in time for the playoffs, it's far from a guarantee.Watson, 26, was injured in Sunday's win over the San Francisco 49ers that pushed the Chiefs to 6-0. He had started all six games and recorded 32 tackles and six pass breakups.
Report: Chiefs acquiring WR DeAndre Hopkins from Titans

Report: Chiefs acquiring WR DeAndre Hopkins from Titans

The Kansas City Chiefs are acquiring three-time All-Pro wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins from the Tennessee Titans in exchange for a conditional fourth-round draft pick, multiple outlets reported Wednesday morning.The trade is expected to be completed later on Wednesday, per ESPN.The Chiefs have endured several significant injuries at the position this season.Offseason acquisition Marquise "Hollywood" Brown sustained a season-ending shoulder injury in the preseason. Rashee Rice's season came to an abrupt end due to a right knee injury in Week 4, and JuJu Smith-Schuster aggravated a hamstring injury in Kansas City's 28-18 victory over the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday.Smith-Schuster already has been ruled out for the Chiefs (6-0) ahead of this Sunday's game against the host Las Vegas Raiders (2-5).Hopkins, 32, has 15 catches for 173 yards and a touchdown in six games (three starts) this season.