Several pass catchers for the Kansas City Chiefs are out of the AFC Championship Game versus the Cincinnati Bengals. Pregame attention was focused on the health of both quarterback Patrick Mahomes and tight end Travis Kelce, but the situation has changed as the game has progressed since Kansas City’s wide receivers are dropping like flies. Due to a knee injury, JuJu Smith-ability Schuster to return is uncertain.
LB Willie Gay (shoulder), WR JuJu Smith-Schuster (knee), and WR Mecole Hardman (pelvis) are questionable to return. pic.twitter.com/NWhBWdrOKR
— Kansas City Chiefs (@Chiefs) January 30, 2023
Before becoming hurt, Smith-Schuster wasn’t able to accumulate many stats. He received just one target, but he returned it for seven yards. Mecole Hardman and Smith-Schuster are doubtful to return, but Kadarius Toney, another teammate, has already been ruled out. Marques Valdes-Scantling has stepped up as the injuries have gotten worse.
He has caught six of his seven targets for 116 yards and a crucial touchdown with 13:30 remaining in the fourth quarter. If Smith-Schuster cannot play again, Valdes-Scantling and Kelce will have to carry the offensive load to lead the Chiefs back to the Super Bowl.