UPDATE: This is an unsubstantiated report that should be treated with caution. What follows is the original story.
The Chiefs reportedly lost a pair of veterans on Monday to injury. Limited confirmation exists about the issues, though one reporter indicates that both kicker Spencer Shrader and tight end Peyton Hendershot will be out, with the latter being placed on injured reserve.
This report has not been confirmed, yet there’s reason to believe it’s accurate. If it’s true, Shrader will be replaced by former Chief Matthew Wright, who previously made all three of his field goals for the San Francisco 49ers in his only appearance of the season.
Shrader was extremely impressive in replacing Harrison Butker, drilling a game-winning kick to beat the Panthers. Without him, Kansas City would now be on its third kicker of the season.
Chiefs Reportedly Lose Two Veterans to Injury Before Raiders Game
These reports carry appropriate caveats. Well-known local reporters like Pete Sweeney of Arrowhead Pride, Nate Taylor of the Athletic, and Matt McMullen of the Chiefs haven’t yet confirmed it. By the time you read this, they may have.
With that grain of salt, this is a development that requires analysis. Hendershot would be the third tight end to be out, though Noah Gray’s four TDs over the last two weeks suggest he’s more than capable of handling a larger workload.
The Chiefs take on the lowly Raiders on Friday, so Shrader’s absence won’t be felt to a significant degree in all likelihood. Moving forward, these repeated injuries are a storyline to watch.
Following the Raiders game, the Chiefs take on the Chargers and Browns before a Christmas day matchup with the Steelers. Based on how valuable Kansas City’s kickers have been throughout this season, his health is a priority until Butker returns.
Despite a sparkling record, the Chiefs’ injuries remain the storyline of the season to this point.