The Kansas City Chiefs will be without two offensive players going into Sunday’s game against the Las Vegas Raiders. Running back Jerick McKinnon is suffering from a groin strain and wide receiver Mecole Hardman will also miss Sunday with a thumb strain injury.
McKinnon was limited in practice throughout the week because of the groin injury and was ruled out after Friday’s practice. Hardman suffered the thumb strain in Monday’s loss to the Philadelphia Eagles, preventing him from being available on special teams, and he didn’t practice this week because of the injury.
The expectation is that veteran receiver Richie James, who has missed time due to a knee injury, will be next in line to replace Hardman while he’s out with the injury, according to head coach Andy Reid during his Friday press conference.
“I mean, he was up last Sunday. We activated (injured reserve) him last week, so there’s a chance he’s up,” said Reid regarding James’ availability this Sunday. He also is unsure how long Hardman could be out past this Sunday’s game in Las Vegas.
Rookie undrafted running back Deneric Prince could be a candidate to replace McKinnon this week from the practice squad, as Reid addressed the possibility. “Maybe. Yeah, We’ll see.” said Reid, “I’m not sure what we’re gonna do. Right there.”
