KC Chiefs Divisional Round Injuries: Derrick Nnadi Misses Another Practice
The Kansas City Chiefs have a very finite window of time left before their Divisional Round matchup against the Buffalo Bills. Sunday's game will be here before they know it, so practice time is critical.
Unfortunately for Kansas City, they'll be without one of their rotational pieces for the second day in a row. Per the team, nose tackle Derrick Nnadi isn't expected to practice on Thursday afternoon.
Nnadi, who suffered an injury early in Wild Card Weekend's win over the Miami Dolphins, was originally diagnosed with an elbow ailment. That's since been shifted to a tricep injury to begin the week. Nnadi was one of two players to miss Wednesday's practice, although linebacker Cam Jones was placed on the injured reserve list so he didn't appear on the club's injury report.
Potential replacement options if Nnadi can't play on Sunday
As mentioned on Arrowhead Report on Wednesday, Kansas City has a multitude of options at its disposal should Nnadi miss the Divisional Round. While his absence would be a noteworthy one — he played 498 snaps during the regular season — he's primarily an early-down run-stuffer with a limited pass-rush repertoire. Chris Jones will typically occupy a three-technique role on the interior of the defensive line, leaving some room for versatility elsewhere. If the Chiefs value someone who can occupy double-teams as more of a nose tackle, they have a few choices.
On the active roster, Neil Farrell is a potential replacement option. The 325-pounder logged 13 defensive snaps in Week 18 and was inactive for the Wild Card round. On the practice squad, the veteran duo of Isaiah Buggs and Matt Dickerson has plenty of combined experience. Dickerson played in 12 games with the Chiefs during the regular season, and Buggs isn't too far removed from a successful stint with the Detroit Lions. Teams have unlimited practice squad activations during the postseason.
Any of the aforementioned three, as well as Tershawn Wharton and whichever defensive ends occasionally get kicked inside, could come together to make up some of what's lost with Nnadi. In order to have a chance to play on Sunday, Nnadi will likely have to return to practice in some capacity on Friday. His situation is one to monitor as the week rolls on.
