KC Chiefs Injuries: Jerick McKinnon, Mecole Hardman Ruled Out vs. Raiders

Kansas City will be missing a pair of offensive pieces this weekend on the road in Las Vegas.

The Kansas City Chiefs are closing in on a Week 12 outing against the Las Vegas Raiders in a matchup that has AFC West and conference implications. The postseason will be here before anyone knows it, and the importance of these contests cannot be understated.

Kansas City came out of its bye week in a good spot health-wise, then just one player suffered an injury during the club's Week 11 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles. Two players are being ruled out for Sunday afternoon's game in Las Vegas, however. Speaking to the media on Friday afternoon, head coach Andy Reid revealed that wide receiver Mecole Hardman and running back Jerick McKinnon will be inactive:

"As far as injuries go, McKinnon will be listed as out with a groin strain and then Mecole with a thumb sprain will also be listed as out." 

Hardman missing this weekend's game shouldn't come as much of a surprise. The fifth-year man suffered a sprained thumb during the Eagles game, returning to play some snaps on offense but not getting cleared to factor into the punt or kickoff return game. The team has been closely monitoring his situation all week and with him not participating in practice, it was always tracking towards him being out. Reid said there's "a chance" that veteran wideout Richie James is active for the first time since Week 2.

McKinnon has dealt with the groin ailment for a few weeks now, and the injury limited him in practice on Wednesday and Thursday. Kansas City has consistently taken a cautious and measured approach with limiting the 31-year-old's workload, although it's been taken to another level this season. After logging 25 snaps (41%) in Week 8 against the Denver Broncos, McKinnon played 15 (25%) and 24 (30%) in the Chiefs' last two games. 

In the absence of Hardman, it would make a good amount of sense for James to be brought back into the lineup. He's the most trusted return man not named Hardman on the roster and now removed from a stint on the injured reserve list, it may be an opportune time for him to make some sort of impact. The loss of McKinnon for the week is a significant one, as he's been targeted 26 times in the passing game and ranks third on the team with three receiving touchdowns. Reid said on Friday that a short-term replacement plan — potentially rookie Deneric Prince — hasn't been decided on yet.

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