20264-0In progress · 1st in AFC West
Patrick Mahomes is back from knee surgery, Kenneth Walker III has arrived from Seattle, and the Chiefs are chasing the AFC West crown Denver took from them last year. Four games, four wins.
AFC West
- Kansas City4-0
- Las Vegas3-1
- Denver2-2
- Los Angeles0-4
WK1DENvs BroncosMon Sep 14W31-101-0Mahomes runs one in on the opening drive; Walker goes for 173 in his debut.
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | T | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DEN | 7 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 10 |
| KC | 7 | 7 | 10 | 7 | 31 |
The story
Nine months after his left knee injury, Patrick Mahomes answered the only question anyone was asking by finishing the opening drive himself, a 15-yard touchdown run in a knee brace.
The night belonged to Kenneth Walker III. The free agent signing from Seattle ran 23 times for 173 yards, the most by a Chief since Jamaal Charles in 2012, and turned a fourth-and-1 into a 60-yard touchdown to open the second half.
The defense smothered Denver: 176 total yards, two takeaways, and a long-awaited win over the team that ended the Chiefs' nine-year run atop the AFC West.
Leaders
Predictions vs result
Maybe they have magic, but if I have to give a score, I'm going Denver 23, Chiefs 20.
He said he was worried, with 15 seconds left in the hour. Final: Chiefs 31-10.
SSJ, Fri Sep 11, Hr 239:1520-17 good guys in Kansas City, yeah.
Expected a low-scoring, run-first game; the line was Chiefs by 2.5, total 43.5.
SSJ, Mon Sep 14, Hr 239:05I had him scoring 27 points, and I should have had him scoring more.
Recalled on Tuesday. The original pick aired Monday in an hour not transcribed, so his Denver number is unknown. He had also guessed 25 touches for Walker (actual 26).
SSJ, Tue Sep 15, Hr 17:55What the shows said
- Stan Weber argued Patrick Mahomes has carried a below-average offensive line for years and must stand in the pocket a split second longer as he returns from the knee injury.
- Pete Sweeney expected Chris Jones to play through his calf issue, perhaps on a snap count, and flagged a young defense as his biggest concern.
- Sweeney and the Monday crew expected a run-first, heavy-package offense built around Kenneth Walker III, with undrafted rookie Kahlil Benson starting at left tackle.
- After the 31-10 win, SSJ took a victory lap on Mahomes's return and Walker's 173 yards, calling the running back upgrade the most dramatic in the NFL.
- Former Chiefs WR Marc Boerigter said the run game lets Mahomes survive an off night throwing, and praised the game plan that protected Benson.
Before the game
Everyone wants to talk about Simmons being gone. His line has not been that good for all the years that he's been the quarterback.
Reacting to Mahomes saying he is not worried about Kahlil Benson at left tackle.
SSJ, Fri Sep 11, Hr 233:48He's going to have to stand in the pocket a split second longer and throw the ball from the pocket.
On how Mahomes must evolve after the knee injury.
SSJ, Fri Sep 11, Hr 234:17I expect him to play but I wonder if it's just on a pitch count of sorts.
On Chris Jones's tight calf, which the Chiefs downplayed.
SSJ, Mon Sep 14, Hr 222:57This is the first regular season game in 253 days and the longest offseason since 2015.
On why Andy Reid seemed eager to get to game day.
SSJ, Mon Sep 14, Hr 223:42The Chiefs feel like they have that now with Ken Walker and the heavy packages. I think they're going to try to bully ball.
Comparing the plan to the Lions' 'we know we're running, stop us' goal-line approach.
SSJ, Mon Sep 14, Hr 228:21People have forgotten how good these two are, so much better than everybody else.
On Mahomes and Andy Reid, noting the betting line did not move after the Benson news.
SSJ, Mon Sep 14, Hr 237:41After the game
Those of you that doubted he'd be back week one, shame on you. You brought great shame to your family for doubting Patrick Mahomes.
Opening the Tuesday show after Mahomes's touchdown run in his return.
SSJ, Tue Sep 15, Hr 11:34The interception by Mansoor Delane, out with the shoulder. Andy didn't give a whole lot of details, but it is what it is.
Rookie CB Delane left after three plays.
SSJ, Tue Sep 15, Hr 19:33That was not smoke and mirrors. That was belt to ass. Kansas City belt to Denver ass.
On the Chiefs physically dominating Denver.
SSJ, Tue Sep 15, Hr 110:17There was no more dramatic upgrade at any position in the NFL than what the Chiefs did at running back.
After Kenneth Walker III ran for 173 yards.
SSJ, Tue Sep 15, Hr 113:24This team doesn't need to run the football more. They just need to run it more effectively and efficiently.
On the new explosiveness in the backfield.
SSJ, Tue Sep 15, Hr 131:59It wasn't about he was getting beat on the edge, it was how well he was doing.
On undrafted rookie left tackle Kahlil Benson.
SSJ, Tue Sep 15, Hr 136:15I think Surtain shutting down half the field. Two, I'd probably say Pat was a little rusty.
Ranking why the passing game struggled vs Denver.
SSJ, Thu Sep 17, Hr 338:51The way he played was outrageous, like one of the greatest running backs in history.
On Kenneth Walker III vs Denver.
SSJ, Fri Sep 18, Hr 215:00I said if they win game one against Denver, they're going to win the division. So I think they are.
Week 1 recap.
SSJ, Fri Sep 18, Hr 222:55Steve Spagnuolo is the best in the NFL. He had Denver on their heels every second of the game.
Grading the defense.
SSJ, Fri Sep 18, Hr 226:12Team stats
Scoring summary
- Q1 8:11Patrick Mahomes 15 Yd Rush (Harrison Butker Kick)7-0
- Q1 3:48Evan Engram 19 Yd pass from Bo Nix (Wil Lutz Kick)7-7
- Q2 1:39Rashee Rice 13 Yd pass from Patrick Mahomes (Harrison Butker Kick)14-7
- Q3 12:43Kenneth Walker III 60 Yd Rush (Harrison Butker Kick)21-7
- Q3 7:34Wil Lutz 31 Yd Field Goal21-10
- Q3 3:17Harrison Butker 28 Yd Field Goal24-10
- Q4 14:39Kenneth Walker III 2 Yd pass from Patrick Mahomes (Harrison Butker Kick)31-10
WK2INDvs ColtsSun Sep 20W33-30OT · 2-0A fumble that wasn't, a tie the Colts chose, and Butker's walk-off 40-yarder.
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | OT | T | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| IND | 7 | 13 | 0 | 7 | 3 | 30 |
| KC | 10 | 7 | 7 | 3 | 6 | 33 |
The story
Mahomes threw for 382 yards and three touchdowns, and Travis Kelce looked years younger with nine catches for 101 yards, but the Colts matched the Chiefs score for score behind two Jonathan Taylor touchdowns.
Overtime got strange. The Chiefs appeared to win on a Laquon Treadwell fumble until review ruled him down. Facing fourth-and-8, Indianapolis kicked a tying field goal instead of going for the win.
With 3:11 left, Walker ran three straight times to midfield, Mahomes hit him for 22 yards against a blitz, and Harrison Butker made it 33-30 from 40 yards as time expired.
Leaders
Predictions vs result
I'm going to go 30-17 Kansas City Chiefs.
SSJ noted that pick is the over and a cover. Actual: 33-30 in overtime.
SSJ, Fri Sep 18, Hr 233:53Yeah, I think they win by more than that.
With the Chiefs favored by 6.5, he settled on 38 to 10 amid crosstalk; the first number is hard to hear. Actual: 33-30 in overtime.
SSJ, Thu Sep 17, Hr 341:54What the shows said
- Stan Weber argued the Colts' only path was to shorten the game with the run, force Chiefs field goals and stay close late, and said he could not find a scenario where the Chiefs lose.
- Gehrig Dieter and SSJ framed the matchup around Kenneth Walker III and the run game, with Dieter predicting a blowout and expecting the passing game and Cyrus Allen's role to grow.
- The Thursday crew debated when LT Josh Simmons returns, with undrafted Benson's play easing concern; Jake said he still wants Simmons back starting.
- After the 33-30 overtime win, Sweeney called the Xavier Worthy touchdown drive vintage MVP Mahomes, said Kelce looked like a top tight end at 36, and called Walker the difference again.
- Sweeney defended the Colts kicking the tying field goal on 4th-and-8 (a tie beats a loss) while Jake pushed back, and Sweeney said the Chiefs missed Mansoor Delane, who dressed but did not play.
Before the game
I think Benson's a nice stopgap and a nice insurance policy. But I'd rather have Simmons out there starting with him.
Asked whether he still wants LT Josh Simmons back despite reliability concerns.
SSJ, Thu Sep 17, Hr 335:31I feel more confident now that they, again, can control the clock, run the ball, explosive plays out of the run game.
Explaining why he picked a bigger Chiefs win than in Week 1.
SSJ, Thu Sep 17, Hr 343:14I think you might see more and more Cyrus as we get going and you need somebody to beat man coverage.
On rookie WR Cyrus Allen's role.
SSJ, Thu Sep 17, Hr 343:29The Colts' chance to win is this. The Chiefs continue to play running-style football and shorten the game.
Breaking down how Indianapolis could pull the upset.
SSJ, Fri Sep 18, Hr 226:20Taylor's really a professional back. He's not the scariest back in the league, but he may be the most professional.
On Jonathan Taylor carrying the Colts.
SSJ, Fri Sep 18, Hr 227:07It's hard for me to come up with a scenario that the Chiefs don't win.
Wrapping up his Colts preview.
SSJ, Fri Sep 18, Hr 227:30After the game
Probably was close, but they felt like he'd be better off to just wait another game if they could.
On Mansoor Delane dressing but never playing.
SSJ, Mon Sep 21, Hr 21:22It's that old version of Mahomes where he flicks it up and he kind of just turns his back and celebrates.
On the touchdown throw to Xavier Worthy.
SSJ, Mon Sep 21, Hr 25:07This is a one-game sample size, but he looked like one of the better tight ends in the league last night, period, at age 36.
On Travis Kelce's 9-catch night.
SSJ, Mon Sep 21, Hr 26:22I think he's quickly become their most important player, especially on offense after Patrick Mahomes.
On Kenneth Walker III getting the ball repeatedly on the overtime winning drive.
SSJ, Mon Sep 21, Hr 28:51I've seen teams miss the playoffs because they decided to go for the win and not have this stupid tie.
Defending the Colts' tying field goal on 4th-and-8 in overtime.
SSJ, Mon Sep 21, Hr 210:25Every game is not going to be a lot of points. Some games are going to be ugly.
Week 2 locker room sound after the OT win (24 carries, 117 yards).
SSJ, Mon Sep 21, Hr 231:00Make them throw the ball in the end zone, don't let them run it in, especially not to win the game at home.
Locker room sound on the overtime stops of Jonathan Taylor.
SSJ, Mon Sep 21, Hr 235:36She needs to go get off the sideline, go up in her box, and stay over there.
On Colts owner Carlie Irsay-Gordon wearing a headset on the sideline.
SSJ, Thu Sep 24, Hr 336:49I did a terrible job at the end of the half. I told the guys that. I was fully disappointed in myself.
Clip played Friday about the Colts game.
SSJ, Fri Sep 25, Hr 224:34The Chiefs stuffing them on first and second down was elite.
On the overtime stand before the Colts kicked the tying field goal.
SSJ, Fri Sep 25, Hr 234:10Team stats
Scoring summary
- Q1 8:25Tyler Warren 1 Yd pass from Daniel Jones (Spencer Shrader Kick)0-7
- Q1 6:09Harrison Butker 46 Yd Field Goal3-7
- Q1 4:34Travis Kelce 13 Yd pass from Patrick Mahomes (Harrison Butker Kick)10-7
- Q2 14:48Spencer Shrader 42 Yd Field Goal10-10
- Q2 9:44Spencer Shrader 49 Yd Field Goal10-13
- Q2 2:25Xavier Worthy 1 Yd pass from Patrick Mahomes (Harrison Butker Kick)17-13
- Q2 0:59Jonathan Taylor 24 Yd Rush (Spencer Shrader Kick)17-20
- Q3 8:01Jalen Royals 1 Yd pass from Patrick Mahomes (Harrison Butker Kick)24-20
- Q4 14:15Harrison Butker 28 Yd Field Goal27-20
- Q4 5:37Jonathan Taylor 5 Yd Rush (Spencer Shrader Kick)27-27
- OT 5:09Harrison Butker 31 Yd Field Goal30-27
- OT 3:11Spencer Shrader 38 Yd Field Goal30-30
- OT 0:00Harrison Butker 40 Yd Field Goal33-30
WK3MIAat DolphinsSun Sep 27W24-103-0Not pretty in Miami, but 3-0: two Walker touchdowns and a late Kelce dagger.
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | T | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| KC | 7 | 7 | 0 | 10 | 24 |
| MIA | 7 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 10 |
The story
Two early touchdown drives suggested a rout, then the winless Dolphins settled in, stopping the Chiefs on downs and picking off Mahomes before halftime. Miami had lost De'Von Achane to a knee injury on its first drive.
Mahomes still finished 20 of 24 for 246 yards. Walker scored on the ground and through the air, and Rashee Rice caught seven passes for 88 yards.
After a fourth-down stop near midfield, Mahomes found Kelce from 11 yards with 2:55 left. Kelce's only other catch was a 48-yarder on the first play.
Leaders
Predictions vs result
Searched his Friday Sep 25 segment (all of Hour 2, the last 15 minutes of Hour 1, the first 12 of Hour 3). He discussed the Chiefs defense but did not give a score.
It's fun. It's fun to watch them. Chiefs, 37. Dolphins, 10.
Attributed from context: the next speaker says 'like Sherm just said.' The panel quoted the line at Chiefs by 11.5.
SSJ, Thu Sep 24, Hr 346:45Chiefs by 14 to 20, I think. They're going to whip ass. I'm going to say Chiefs 31, Miami 10.
Said he was 'way off last week.' Right winner; actual 24-10.
SSJ, Thu Sep 24, Hr 345:51What the shows said
- Before the game, Sherman and Dieter picked lopsided Chiefs wins in Miami, praising an offense that finally has a run game and multiple playmakers.
- Stan Weber spent his Friday segment questioning whether the Chiefs defense is truly elite, arguing it looks good rather than scary and leans on Spagnuolo's blitzes and L'Jarius Sneed.
- Dieter turned the Tyreek Hill question into a shot at Xavier Worthy, saying he is not showing much on offense for a first-round pick.
- After the 24-10 win, Sweeney said the Chiefs were annoyed despite winning by two touchdowns, pointing to failed short-yardage runs, zero sacks on Malik Willis and a long Dolphins touchdown drive.
- Sweeney gave Mansoor Delane a solid grade for his fourth-down breakup, defended Rashee Rice on the interception, and said Travis Kelce looks like he is 27.
Before the game
Done the same thing forever. And, yeah, it worked, but it's not working anymore. So, time to evolve.
On special teams coordinator Dave Toub, with the unit ranked near the bottom.
SSJ, Thu Sep 24, Hr 330:05It's fun to watch this Chiefs offense, unlike other years previous... and have a run game.
Making his Dolphins pick on Thursday.
SSJ, Thu Sep 24, Hr 346:21I would tell Xavier to kick rocks and then Tyreek would walk right in that spot and make that offense that much better.
Asked how Tyreek Hill would fit in this Chiefs offense.
SSJ, Thu Sep 24, Hr 347:12He's not showing me much on offense right now, which is disappointing for a first-round pick.
On Xavier Worthy, after saying he would play him at punt return.
SSJ, Thu Sep 24, Hr 347:25If they play like they do in week one, Super Bowl champs. Done. Chiefs are better than everybody else.
Asking whether the defense is the Week 1 version or the Week 2 version.
SSJ, Fri Sep 25, Hr 227:07He's scary to the opponent. He knows what he's supposed to do. He won't back down. He has swagger.
On L'Jarius Sneed, whom he calls the variable for the whole defense.
SSJ, Fri Sep 25, Hr 228:35We cannot assume the Chiefs defense is a great defense. To me, they look like a good defense with a great defensive coordinator.
Wrapping up his defense breakdown.
SSJ, Fri Sep 25, Hr 231:10After the game
You come out of the game having won by two touchdowns, and you're upset about it.
On the mood after the 24-10 win in Miami.
SSJ, Mon Sep 28, Hr 22:11You thought they had solved it, but they just didn't go to the thing that was working, which was a little puzzling to me.
On the stuffed third-and-1 and fourth-and-1 runs.
SSJ, Mon Sep 28, Hr 25:36This was a player that came into the game having been sacked more than anyone else in the NFL through two weeks.
On the Chiefs getting zero sacks on Malik Willis.
SSJ, Mon Sep 28, Hr 211:10When he came off the field, I mean, he was really limping. It's almost like he couldn't put weight.
On Xavier Worthy's injury in Miami.
SSJ, Mon Sep 28, Hr 213:54Before he threw what I thought was the worst pass of the game, he was 11 for 11 on the day.
Blaming the throw, not Rashee Rice, for the interception.
SSJ, Mon Sep 28, Hr 216:08This resurgence, so to speak, of Travis Kelce, where he looks like he's 27, is not helping.
On why Xavier Worthy is getting few targets.
SSJ, Mon Sep 28, Hr 217:53Just because we had the first two weeks, good weeks... doesn't mean that you can relax when you're playing a 12 o'clock game.
Postgame podium clip played Monday.
SSJ, Mon Sep 28, Hr 230:02Team stats
Scoring summary
- Q1 12:54Kenneth Walker III 10 Yd Rush (Harrison Butker Kick)7-0
- Q1 3:27Ollie Gordon II 3 Yd Rush (Riley Patterson Kick)7-7
- Q2 12:58Kenneth Walker III 5 Yd pass from Patrick Mahomes (Harrison Butker Kick)14-7
- Q3 10:10Riley Patterson 37 Yd Field Goal14-10
- Q4 11:35Harrison Butker 34 Yd Field Goal17-10
- Q4 2:55Travis Kelce 11 Yd pass from Patrick Mahomes (Harrison Butker Kick)24-10
WK4LVat RaidersSun Oct 4W30-274-0Thornton's career day ends on a cart; Walker's late double seals 4-0 in Vegas.
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | T | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| KC | 7 | 3 | 0 | 20 | 30 |
| LV | 7 | 6 | 0 | 14 | 27 |
The story
The 3-0 Raiders led 13-10 into the fourth quarter. The Chiefs played without Kingsley Suamataia, held out for what Andy Reid called a coach's decision, and lost Rashee Rice to a hamstring tweak early.
Tyquan Thornton carried the passing game with five catches for 111 yards and two touchdowns. His 55-yard catch set up the go-ahead score, and he was carted off with a badly injured left ankle on the same play.
Walker scored from 2 yards to retake the lead, then from 22 after the Raiders fumbled the kickoff. He finished with 177 yards. Kirk Cousins pulled Las Vegas within three with 1:46 left, and the defense held from there.
Leaders
Predictions vs result
I got Kansas City beating the Oakland Raiders, now the Vegas Raiders... I'm going to say 27-20 Kansas City.
On air the line was quoted at Chiefs by 4.5, total 47.5; he called it a cover and the under. Final: won by 3, total 57.
SSJ, Fri Oct 2, Hr 239:13Yes, I do. I do believe they'll beat them.
No score given. After hearing the 4.5-point line he said he thought they would cover; they won by 3.
SSJ, Fri Oct 2, Hr 237:31What the shows said
- Stan Weber called the 3-0 Raiders a dangerous one-week opponent because Kirk Cousins gives them a real NFL quarterback, but said they are not ready to contend and picked the Chiefs 27-20.
- Gehrig Dieter and Anthony Sherman spent the Thursday preview on the Chiefs receiver room, with Dieter dismissing Xavier Worthy and arguing the Chiefs need Tyreek Hill more than they did in training camp.
- Pete Sweeney said Kingsley Suamataia sitting in full uniform as a coach's decision was more jarring than Mike Caliendo starting, backed the discipline, but did not love Andy Reid's postgame response.
- Sweeney described Tyquan Thornton's ankle injury on his career day as reportedly a dislocation that usually means out indefinitely, and called Rashee Rice's hamstring less serious, with the bye week arriving at the right time.
- Sweeney credited Kenneth Walker III for opening up Patrick Mahomes' deep passing, but put his panic level on the defense at a five after Cousins and Brock Bowers hung 27 points and the Chiefs went a third straight game without a sack.
Before the game
I actually think I'm faster than Xavier Worthy when he has the ball in his hands. I'm dead serious.
Arguing Worthy does not survive contact or play to his speed.
SSJ, Thu Oct 1, Hr 337:01Tyquan is what he is. He's the post guy over the top. Anything else, he's not good. Don't use him any other way.
Dieter's rundown of the Chiefs receivers, three days before Thornton's 111-yard, 2 TD game.
SSJ, Thu Oct 1, Hr 340:13It'll be a tough game for the Chiefs on Sunday because the Raiders are excited and undefeated in realizing that they're a real NFL team.
Asked how real the 3-0 Raiders are.
SSJ, Fri Oct 2, Hr 216:55They're not that great, but they're dangerous this week against the Chiefs because the Chiefs bring the best out of everybody.
Pointing to how Miami and Indianapolis played above their level against KC.
SSJ, Fri Oct 2, Hr 220:39Kirk Cousins will not back down. You can't squash this guy.
On why the Raiders will hang around to the end.
SSJ, Fri Oct 2, Hr 227:20The Chiefs defense does not scare anybody. Who scares you on the Chiefs defense if you're an opponent?
Arguing the offense is good enough that the defense does not have to be great.
SSJ, Fri Oct 2, Hr 230:22After the game
I don't think even he realized it was messed up until he stands up and then kind of slumps over.
On Tyquan Thornton's ankle injury at the end of his 55-yard catch.
SSJ, Mon Oct 5, Hr 24:52I know it's been out there that it's been dislocated. That usually means it's out indefinitely.
Sweeney passing along the reported Thornton ankle diagnosis.
SSJ, Mon Oct 5, Hr 25:05Rashee Rice did not look as serious as Tyquan Thornton, and he was actually out there after they evaluated it.
On Rice's early hamstring tweak; Sweeney said the Chiefs were cautious with the bye week coming.
SSJ, Mon Oct 5, Hr 26:10More jarring was the fact that Kingsley Suamataia was on the sideline in full uniform standing there watching.
On learning Suamataia was benched as a coach's decision and Mike Caliendo was starting.
SSJ, Mon Oct 5, Hr 211:29Caliendo made a hell of a block that helped create that hole where Walker was able to easily get into the end zone.
Caliendo struggled most of the day but delivered on Kenneth Walker III's go-ahead touchdown.
SSJ, Mon Oct 5, Hr 217:55My panic level is about like a five. You know, you wonder if this defense is good.
After the defense allowed 27 points and went three straight games without a sack.
SSJ, Mon Oct 5, Hr 228:41I'm gonna pour water on this real quick, and then light the fire again, though.
Boerigter on the Raiders win: the run game struggled for most of the day, then Kenneth Walker III broke it open.
SSJ, Tue Oct 6, Hr 223:54The fire back on this piece, though, is you now have an explosive back.
On this piece. A Boerigter staple.
SSJ, Tue Oct 6, Hr 224:24Team stats
Scoring summary
- Q1 8:10Ian Thomas 27 Yd pass from Kirk Cousins (Matt Gay Kick)0-7
- Q1 2:23Tyquan Thornton 2 Yd pass from Patrick Mahomes (Harrison Butker Kick)7-7
- Q2 3:19Matt Gay 32 Yd Field Goal7-10
- Q2 1:22Harrison Butker 28 Yd Field Goal10-10
- Q2 0:00Matt Gay 48 Yd Field Goal10-13
- Q4 14:50Tyquan Thornton 8 Yd pass from Patrick Mahomes (Harrison Butker Kick)17-13
- Q4 11:12Matt Gay 44 Yd Field Goal17-16
- Q4 4:53Matt Gay 48 Yd Field Goal17-19
- Q4 3:21Kenneth Walker III 2 Yd Rush (Two-Point Pass Conversion Failed)23-19
- Q4 3:02Kenneth Walker III 22 Yd Rush (Harrison Butker Kick)30-19
- Q4 1:46Brock Bowers 20 Yd pass from Kirk Cousins (Kirk Cousins Pass to Cody White for Two-Point Conversion)30-27
WK5BYEBye weekOct 5 to 114-0, restThornton's ankle, Rice's hamstring, and a possible Tyreek Hill reunion.
The week
The Chiefs went into the bye 4-0 and alone atop the AFC West, but short two receivers. The week's talk on New Day with SSJ ran on three tracks: how long Tyquan Thornton is out, whether Rashee Rice misses time, and whether Tyreek Hill comes home.
Tyquan Thornton: dislocated left ankle
Thornton was hurt on the 55-yard catch that set up the winning drive in Las Vegas, the best game of his career. NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, in a clip played on New Day, reported the ankle was dislocated and put back in place, that he flew home with the team, and that he was out indefinitely pending an MRI and X-rays.
Aaron Borgmann, the former Chiefs and Eagles trainer, urged caution on Monday: he assumes a fracture is involved and called a return this season unlikely, though not impossible.
He's expected to be out indefinitely for the Chiefs. Ankle was dislocated, then it was put back into place.
You almost have to fracture in order to dislocate your ankle.
Borgmann said very few ankle dislocations come without a fracture, so he is assuming one here.
SSJ, Mon Oct 5, Hr 327:21I would be, you know, really, really impressed if we saw this player again this season.
On Rapoport's best case of a January return: six to eight weeks for the bone alone, then a gradual return to play.
SSJ, Mon Oct 5, Hr 331:31Rashee Rice, and who catches the ball now
Andy Reid called Rice's injury a hamstring tweak. Rapoport reported the bye gives Rice a chance to miss no games, and Borgmann suggested sitting him in Las Vegas may have been the cautious call with a week off ahead.
With Thornton out, Pete Sweeney named Jalen Royals and Cyrus Allen as the in-house options and said a look outside the building makes sense. The Chargers visit on October 18.
Certainly looking outside the organization for a field-stretching type of player, to me, makes sense at this stage.
On replacing Thornton, alongside Jalen Royals and Cyrus Allen.
SSJ, Mon Oct 5, Hr 25:23Tyreek Hill: a reunion in the works?
Hill, a free agent recovering from the knee dislocation he suffered about a year ago, has been a running subplot on the show. Gehrig Dieter, who talks with Hill regularly, said on his Thursday segment before the Raiders game that Hill wants to be in Kansas City and that he would like a couple of weeks training with him, targeting early to mid-November.
On Monday SSJ read from a Mike Silver story in The Athletic reporting that the Chiefs are very interested and have contacted Hill's agent, Drew Rosenhaus, pending his physical. Nothing has been signed. Borgmann said the evidence of Hill's readiness so far comes from the player's side, and that a late-season timeline looks more realistic.
Everything he's told me, it's like November has been kind of the goal for him.
Dieter, who talks with Hill, on when Hill could be ready to play. Reported by Dieter, not confirmed.
SSJ, Thu Sep 17, Hr 313:42If he's able to show something, maybe there will be mutual interest. I don't think the door's completely shut on that yet.
Sweeney on a possible return.
SSJ, Mon Sep 21, Hr 221:30Listen, I mean, he wants to be in Kansas City.
Four days before the Thornton injury, Dieter read Hill's 'ready for some cold weather' post; he said he had talked to Hill two days earlier.
SSJ, Thu Oct 1, Hr 331:45I think mid-November, early November, mid-November. Mid to early November. He needs a couple weeks with me.
Dieter's own estimate of when Hill could be ready.
SSJ, Thu Oct 1, Hr 332:18If he does come back and he is 70% of what he was... I think that becomes a very lethal offense.
Agreeing with Dieter that the Chiefs need a big-time receiver.
SSJ, Thu Oct 1, Hr 343:11Several high-ranking organizational sources confirmed Sunday night they are very interested in signing free agent receiver Tyreek Hill.
Doesn't cost the team anything to bring him in for a look, why would you not?
He added that the timeline points to late season at the earliest.
SSJ, Mon Oct 5, Hr 333:54It would be really cool to see the cheetah back in the building.
Kingsley Suamataia benched
Suamataia was active in Las Vegas but did not play; Andy Reid called it a coach's decision and said it stays between him and the player. SSJ argued fans who wanted more accountability last season are now seeing it.
So now something happens that shows discipline, that shows accountability.
Stan Weber pick tracker
His Friday call on New Day with SSJ. Right winner 2 of 3.
| Wk | Opp | Stan said | Final | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | DEN | DEN 23-20 | 31-10 | |
| 2 | IND | KC 30-17 | 33-30 | |
| 3 | MIA | None found | 24-10 | |
| 4 | LV | KC 27-20 | 30-27 |
Trophy case. Gold means earned. Outlined means still in play.
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201812-4Final · 1-1 in the playoffs · 2nd in AFC West
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201710-6Final · 0-1 in the playoffs · 1st in AFC West
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201612-4Final · 0-1 in the playoffs · 2nd in AFC West
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201511-5Final · 1-1 in the playoffs · 2nd in AFC West
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20149-7Final · 2nd in AFC West
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201311-5Final · 0-1 in the playoffs · 2nd in AFC West
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The Andy Reid era, 2013 to today. Radio show coverage: 2026 now, 2025 (from mid-October) coming next.