A nagging string of injuries must be shattering news to Mahomes and Co. After doing away with one divisional rival, the Denver Broncos, the Kansas City Chiefs are ready to face another AFC West rival. But this time, they might be missing one of their key performing weapons—a downfield threat with an impressive 21-plus yards per catch average.

The Chiefs are on top of the table in their AFC West group, with a 5-1 record. But they will possibly be without their 2X Super Bowl winner against the Los Angeles Chargers. With the season heating up now, the Chiefs did not need another obstacle on their plate.

Injury woes, deep in the season

The Chiefs, before their game against the Broncos, were dealing with a niggling ankle injury for TE Travis Kelce. Now, their most successful WR Justin Watson, the best catcher in the entire squad, is dealing with a horrific injury.

It was reported that X-rays have come back negative, which means that the injury might be a torn ligament or tendon. These types of injuries are much more painful and require a significant amount of time to heal completely. With the Chiefs being criticized for their plays in the red zone, despite winning. Losing a prominent catcher like Watson will hurt them. But with Watson out of the roster for a few weeks at least, who from the wide receiver room take the first cab off the rank?

Kansas City Chiefs may look toward these players who have been contributing at different levels over a span of six games: Skyy Moore, Marquez Valdes-Scantling, Rashee Rice, Kadarius Toney, and Justyn Ross. Out of the five, Rice has been the most formidable to jumpstart his rookie season with a couple of touchdowns and towing 21 passes for 245 yards.

Watch this story: Patrick Mahomes reveals Travis Kelce’s lucky escape after the Vikings game

5 game streak. Chiefs look untouchable. Yet, numbers alone can be quite deceiving at times. In fact, the Chiefs and Patrick Mahomes have been criticized for the lack of creativity they have shown in the red zone. Games against the Jets and the Broncos were prime examples of the same. So, what changed between then and now? A former SuperBowl owner has the answer.

Who is the major missing from the Chiefs?

Super Bowl XXXVII winner with the Buccaneers Keyshawn Johnson has been paying close attention to the Chiefs. The 51-year-old retired footballer told his co-hosts, “(I keep thinking) what the heck is wrong with them (Chiefs).”

Eric Bieniemy, who was the Chief’s offensive coordinator from 2017 to 2023, made an early exit to team with Washington Commanders. Consequently, Matt Nagy became the Chiefs offensive coordinator in Eric’s position. Talking to RedZone co-hosts Skip Bayless and Michael Irvin, Johnson continued, “I look at Matt Nagy on the sideline call it plays or giving that influence whatever you want to call it and so I started to say well Eric Bieniemy is missing.”

Despite the criticisms, the two-time MVP Chiefs captain can no longer afford to let injuries hamper him. Mahomes must continue with his brilliant form, while also providing mental support for the squad in these tough times. With the next game at home, things might be a tad easier for them. The Chiefs are set to face their divisional rival, the Chargers, on Sunday 22 October. The match will be played under the natural lights at Arrowhead Stadium.

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