NFL Rumors: Chiefs First-Round Pick Could Miss Week 2

The Kansas City Chiefs could be short one of their most promising young players in Week 2's pivotal divisional clash against the Los Angeles Chargers. Head coach Andy Reid announced during his Tuesday media availability that cornerback Trent McDuffie was unlikely to be ready for Thursday's game:

Andy Reid says Harrison Butker has a sprained left ankle.

"We'll just see how that goes," Reid said. "Day to day. He's got some swelling. He's a tough kid."

Reid on Trent McDuffie (strained left hamstring): "He's going to struggle to make it to the game."
— Nate Taylor (@ByNateTaylor) September 13, 2022

McDuffie left Sunday's blowout over the Arizona Cardinals with a strained hamstring after playing 32 snaps. The Chiefs didn't really need him, as they cruised to a 44-21 victory, but this week's matchup against the Chargers might not be so easy. The game could also prove crucial in deciding the standings in the ultra-competitive AFC West at the end of the year.

McDuffie joined the Chiefs as their 21st overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, having starred at Washington for three years. A rugged and talented competitor, he was expected to contribute right away and even earned a start in Sunday's game. The Chiefs don't appear to believe his injury is a long-term concern, but the quick turnaround ahead of Thursday's game means he likely won't be ready. Should he be unavailable, the Chiefs will lean on cornerbacks Rashad Fenton, L'Jarius Snead, and Jaylen Watson to try and slow a Chargers passing attack that might not have wide receiver Keenan Allen.