Chiefs Place L’Jarius Sneed on Injured Reserve

The Kansas City Chiefs placed cornerback L’Jarius Sneed on injured reserve Saturday, October 31, before their road game against the Denver Broncos. Kansas City also signed cornerback Melvin Smith from the practice squad to the active roster and elevated defensive end Tyreke Smith for Sunday’s game, according to the club’s transaction record.

Sneed had been questionable with a knee injury on Friday. He missed Wednesday’s practice, when the Chiefs listed both personal reasons and the knee issue, before taking part in limited sessions Thursday and Friday. Saturday’s move means he will miss at least the next four games, rather than remaining a possible participant against Denver.

Melvin Smith joined Kansas City’s practice squad September 16 after the Chiefs waived him during their final August 30 roster reductions.

The Chiefs also downgraded rookie cornerback Mansoor Delane to out with a shoulder injury. Delane did not practice Thursday or Friday, and the updated Saturday report ruled him out. The two absences leave Kansas City without both cornerbacks as it completes its regular season series against a divisional opponent.

Kansas City’s injury report offered better news elsewhere. Quarterback Patrick Mahomes, receiver Rashee Rice and offensive lineman Jaylon Moore had no game designation after full participation Friday. Defensive tackle Omarr Norman-Lott remained out despite returning to practice this week, while defensive end R Mason Thomas was questionable for personal reasons.

Denver has won four of five games since Kansas City’s 31–10 victory in their season opener, according to the Chiefs’ matchup notes. The Broncos have generated 64 percent of quarterback Bo Nix’s passing yards after the catch, making tackling a relevant concern for the depleted secondary. Kansas City allowed Seattle to convert 11 of 16 third downs in its previous game. The Chiefs enter Sunday a half-game ahead of Denver in the AFC West.