Advertisement

Chiefs cornerback depth could be tested vs. Bills in AFC Championship Game

The Kansas City Chiefs could be short on proven cornerback depth against the Buffalo Bills in the AFC Championship Game.

Starting right cornerback Bashaud Breeland and No. 4 corner Rashad Fenton both have been on the injury report this week for Kansas City. Breeland, along with QB Patrick Mahomes, was in the NFL’s concussion protocol this week. Unlike Mahomes, Breeland carries a questionable game status designation heading into Sunday’s tilt with the Bills. That indicates he has yet to clear the NFL’s concussion protocols as Mahomes has.

Fenton suffered ankle and foot injuries in Week 17 against the Los Angeles Chargers. He was held out of the divisional round against the Cleveland Browns with his injuries, but he’s been practicing in a limited capacity all week. Like Breeland, Fenton is also questionable for the game.

“That is something we’re dancing around with right now,” Steve Spagnuolo said on Thursday. “You’d like to have all of your guys, all of your bodies in the right spots this time of year but we are going through some things that are a little bit in flux. We’re a little uncertain in some spots. Hopefully, it will clear itself up by Sunday or before that so we can get guys ready. It happens in the middle of the game and we have to be prepared. I think our assistant coaches do a terrific job, Dave Merritt and Sam Madison, do a great job back there of rolling guys through. We have a plan and either way, to what you’re addressing if certain guys can’t go, but let’s hope most of our guys can make it to the game.”

The Chiefs remain hopeful that they can get both Breeland and Fenton cleared in time for the game, but if they’re not, that’s when things get tricky. They’ll be plenty capable in terms of their starting lineup with Charvarius Ward and L’Jarius Sneed filling in on the outside and Tyrann Mathieu sliding into the slot. If an injury happened to one of those three players during the game that’s when things could get concerning.

Typically, Fenton would be the first guy off the bench. If he were unavailable, Kansas City has both Antonio Hamilton and rookie CB BoPete Keyes on the 53-man roster. Hamilton has played mostly on special teams for the Chiefs this season. He started the year playing the slot seeing a season-high 38 snaps in Week 1. That number dropped significantly as the year went on. Keyes had his first NFL action in Week 17 against the Los Angeles Chargers. He was targeted five times in that game, giving up four receptions for 51 yards.

If Breeland and Fenton are unable to play, the team would likely elevate DB Chris Lammons from the practice squad. He’s a trusted special teamer and can fill in on the outside or in the slot.

List

Final injury report for Chiefs vs. Bills, AFC Championship Game