Trent McDuffie

McDuffie contested a leaping, downfield catch while covering Texans WR Nico Collins in Week 14. As McDuffie came back to earth, his left knee bowed inward, beneath him. He underwent rigorous testing thereafter, and seemingly had a small chance of returning to the game, but the training staff ultimately kept him sidelined. McDuffie practiced in a limited capacity on Wednesday and Thursday. His Friday participation level is unknown. If he is unable to play this week, he seemingly has decent odds of returning next week.

McDuffie departed in the first quarter after landing hard while defending a deep pass to Texans alpha wide receiver Nico Collins. He would remain on the field before being helped off by trainers, who would check the knee for stability. McDuffie spent the remainder of the first quarter testing his knee on the sideline before being ruled out near the half.

The injury situation for the Chiefs continues to get worse.

Collins broke free early for a 46-yard gain up the seam against Trent McDuffie coverage, the latter of whom would be injured on the play and miss the remainder of the game. The talented veteran added catches of 53 yards, 18 yards, and four yards before the break but would be blanked in the second half with the team nursing a lead throughout. Collins now has consecutive games of 98 yards or more through the air with C.J. Stroud under center, something he had not done against all opponents other than the Jaguars this season. The Texans now prepare for one of the worst defenses in the league in the Cardinals in Week 15.

It was Nico Collins that took advantage of the Chiefs early as the Texans built a 10-0 lead before the half, with the talented wide receiver erupting for 121 first-half yards after Kansas City shutdown corner Trent McDuffie departed with injury. The team's pass volume dried up after the break due to positive game script, with Schultz ending with a disappointing 22 yards on the evening. Up next is a Cardinals opponent the Texans should be able to move the football against, although volume could once again be an issue for the veteran tight end.