KC Chiefs vs. LV Raiders Week 12 Injuries and Inactives: Who's In, Who's Out?

The Kansas City Chiefs are back on the road this week, and a bitter division rival awaits.

In a classic AFC West matchup, Kansas City travels to Las Vegas to square off against the Raiders. Led by interim head coach Antonio Pierce, the home team is 5-6 on the year and has won two of its last three contests. Despite a roller coaster of a season with coaching and quarterback play, the Raiders find themselves within striking distance of a playoff spot and potentially even a revived chance in the division if they can win on Sunday. For the Chiefs, a win allows them to keep control of their own destiny in the conference and also keeps some distance from those within the division.

Entering Week 12's game, Kansas City ruled out three players. On the opposing sideline, four players carried questionable designations and one was ruled doubtful to play. Now deep into the 2023-24 campaign, no team is 100% healthy. Attrition is definitely setting in for all 32 clubs.

Ahead of their Sunday afternoon outing on the road, the Chiefs' list of inactive players has been released. Here's who won't suit up for Kansas City:

RB Jerick McKinnon
WR Kadarius Toney
DE BJ Thompson
OL Mike Caliendo
DT Neil Farrell
DE Malik Herring

Out for the Chiefs this week are wide receivers Mecole Hardman and Kadarius Toney, as well as running back Jerick McKinnon. Hardman suffered a sprained thumb in last week's loss to the Philadelphia Eagles, which ultimately led to him being placed on the injured reserve list this weekend. According to Matt Derrick of Chiefs Digest, Toney "felt discomfort in his hip during practice Friday" and will undergo further testing. McKinnon has dealt with a lingering groin injury for a while and is out for Week 12.

A minor bright spot for Kansas City is that even after multiple injuries at the wideout position, there's someone ready to make his return to the lineup. The way has been paved for Richie James to play for the first time since Week 2. James, who signed with the Chiefs during the offseason, suffered a knee injury that saw him spend an extended stretch on IR and also fall out of favor in the receiver rotation. Now presumably back in the fold, James will look to take advantage of his opportunities on Sunday.

The Raiders' inactives have also been released:

CB Jakorian Bennett
QB Brian Hoyer
S Roderic Teamer
LB Amari Burney
C Hroniss Grasu
DT Byron Young
DT Nesta Jade Silvera

The four aforementioned questionable players for the Raiders were safeties Marcus Epps and Roderic Teamer, offensive tackle Kolton Miller and linebacker Robert Spillane. Pro Bowl pass rusher Maxx Crosby was doubtful, although multiple reports in the 24 hours leading up to the game indicated that he would make a serious push to play. Crosby will indeed play in Week 12, as will the trio of Epps, Miller and Spillane. Teamer, who has played in six games this season as a primary special teams weapon, is inactive.

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