Ahead of their Week 18 showdown, both the Kansas City Chiefs and the Las Vegas Raiders have finalized and released their lists of inactive players. Key players like Chiefs running back Isiah Pacheco and defensive end George Karlaftis will not be suiting up, along with several other starters and depth players for both teams due to injuries, illness, or coach's decision. This report details the full list of unavailable players and last-minute roster elevations for Sunday's significant game.
Kansas City Chiefs Key Inactives and Full List
The Kansas City Chiefs have officially released their inactive player list for their upcoming Week 18 game against the Las Vegas Raiders. Among the significant absences, starting guard Trey Smith has been ruled out due to a persistent ankle injury, as confirmed in Friday's final injury report. Wide receiver Xavier Worthy will also be unavailable to play, having been previously listed as doubtful due to an illness. Notably, both star running back Isiah Pacheco and defensive end George Karlaftis, despite being limited in practice throughout the week with a rest designation, were listed as questionable and ultimately will not dress for the game. Other Chiefs players declared inactive for the contest include cornerback Melvin Smith Jr., defensive end Tyreke Smith, and nose tackle Mike Pennel. Defensive tackle Jerry Tillery, however, who had been marked as questionable after missing Friday's practice for personal reasons, is confirmed to be active and will play. These inactive decisions could significantly impact the Chiefs' game plan and performance.
Kansas City Chiefs Roster Elevations
In a strategic move to address player availability for Sunday's game, the Kansas City Chiefs made two practice squad elevations. Wide receivers Jason Bronwlee and Jimmy Holiday were promoted to the active roster. As per NFL rules for elevated players, both Bronwlee and Holiday will automatically revert to the team's practice squad following the conclusion of the game. Both players are confirmed to be active for the Week 18 matchup, with Jimmy Holiday notably making his National Football League debut. These elevations provide additional depth and options at the wide receiver position.
Las Vegas Raiders Key Inactives and Full List
The Las Vegas Raiders have also announced their full list of inactive players for the crucial Week 18 game against the Kansas City Chiefs. Quarterback Geno Smith was already ruled out earlier in the week due to an ankle injury, meaning backup Kenny Pickett will step in as the starting signal-caller for Las Vegas. Offensive guard Dylan Parham is unavailable, suffering from an illness, and defensive tackle Adam Butler is sidelined with a biceps injury. The Raiders' inactive list further includes several other players who will not be dressing for the game: running back Raheem Mostert, cornerback Chigozie Anusiem, safety Terrell Edmunds, and defensive tackle Brodric Martin. Interestingly, Martin had recently been a member of the Chiefs' practice squad, adding a layer of familiarity to this matchup. These significant absences will challenge the Raiders' depth on both offense and defense.
Las Vegas Raiders Roster Elevations
To complement their active roster for the game against Kansas City, the Las Vegas Raiders have made two key practice squad elevations. Linebacker Jamin Davis and offensive tackle Dalton Wagner have both been promoted and are confirmed to be dressing and active for the contest. These elevations aim to provide immediate depth and special teams contributions, potentially compensating for some of the inactive players and ensuring a full complement of available athletes for the game.
