The Kansas City Chiefs’ resilience continues to be tested as the 2024 NFL season unfolds.
Head coach Andy Reid confirmed on Wednesday that kicker Spencer Shrader has been placed on Injured Reserve (IR), marking another significant blow to Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs. Shrader, who missed the Week 13 win over the Las Vegas Raiders due to a hamstring injury, will now be sidelined for at least four weeks.
Shrader’s absence is particularly challenging given the revolving door at the kicker position. The rookie, signed from the New York Jets’ practice squad earlier in the season to replace Harrison Butker, performed flawlessly in his two starts. Shrader converted all six extra-point attempts and nailed three field goals, including a clutch game-winner against the Carolina Panthers in Week 12.
Reid acknowledged Shrader’s contributions, emphasizing the reliability he brought during his short stint. “Spencer stepped up when we needed him,” Reid said, expressing confidence in the team’s ability to adapt yet again.
The kicker’s injury adds to an already lengthy list of absences for Kansas City. The Chiefs’ IR list has grown to include key offensive weapons, compounding the challenges for Mahomes. Wide receivers Marquise “Hollywood” Brown, Skyy Moore, and Rashee Rice, along with tight ends Peyton Hendershot, Jody Fortson, and Jared Wiley, are all out. The loss of these pass-catching options has left Mahomes navigating a thinned-out arsenal.
The Chiefs’ offensive injuries don’t stop there. The team’s kicking woes began earlier in the season when Butker underwent surgery for a knee issue. Now, Shrader’s placement on IR leaves Reid scrambling to stabilize special teams. “It’s not ideal, but we’ve got confidence in the guys stepping in,” Reid said.
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Defensive injuries have also added to the team’s struggles. Cornerback Jaylen Watson and guard McKade Mettauer are among those sidelined, underscoring the widespread impact injuries have had on both sides of the ball. Yet, Reid and Mahomes remain focused on finding solutions as the season progresses.
To address the kicker situation, Reid announced the signing of Matthew Wright to the active roster. Wright, who filled in during the Chiefs’ victory over the Raiders, went 4-of-5 on field goals, his only miss being a 59-yard attempt. Wright has familiarity with Kansas City, having appeared in two games during the 2022 season.
“Matthew knows what we expect,” Reid said. “He’s stepped in before and delivered. We’re confident he’ll continue to do that.” The Chiefs will rely on Wright as they prepare for a Sunday Night Football showdown against the Los Angeles Chargers.
Kansas City’s injury list paints a daunting picture, but the team has shown time and again its ability to adapt under Reid’s leadership. Mahomes, in particular, has demonstrated his knack for elevating the players around him, even when the odds are stacked against the offense.
With the playoffs looming, the Chiefs know they must weather these challenges to maintain their position as AFC contenders. Reid’s confidence in his team’s depth and Mahomes’ ability to lead under pressure will be pivotal in navigating the remaining schedule.
As Kansas City continues to contend with a battered roster, the focus remains on executing in critical moments. Whether it’s relying on new contributors like Wright or leaning on Mahomes’ playmaking ability, the Chiefs are determined to stay competitive despite the obstacles.
The next few weeks will reveal whether this team can overcome its injury-plagued season to make a push for another deep playoff run. For now, Reid’s message is clear: the Chiefs will keep fighting, no matter how long the IR list grows.
