In two days, the New England Patriots and Kansas City Chiefs will meet for what is one of the most anticipated games of the 2018 season: two of the NFL’s best offenses going against each other, with the potential frontrunner status in the AFC on the line. Earlier today, the two teams released their final injury reports and game statuses of the week:
Out
Chiefs: WR De’Anthony Thomas (lower leg; did not participate), S Eric Murray (ankle; did not participate)
The Chiefs have already declared two players out for Sunday’s game. Wide receiver De’Anthony Thomas will miss the game after fracturing his leg yesterday, while safety Eric Murray will be out because of an ankle issue. Both play big roles in Kansas City: Thomas is a core special teamer, while Murray is one of the team’s starting safeties.
Doubtful
Chiefs: S Eric Berry (heel; did not participate), LB Justin Houston (hamstring; did not participate)
After tearing his achilles tendon during last year’s game against the Patriots, Eric Berry will likely not make his return on Sunday – being listed as doubtful is virtually the same as being declared out right away. The same goes for linebacker Justin Houston, one of Kansas City’s best defenders and pass rushers. While the team has experience playing without Berry, Houston will miss his first game of the year.
Questionable
Patriots: WR Chris Hogan (thigh; limited), DT Malcom Brown (knee; limited), WR Josh Gordon (hamstring; limited), DL Geneo Grissom (ankle; limited), TE Rob Gronkowski (ankle; limited), RB Sony Michel (knee; limited), CB Eric Rowe (groin; limited), DT Danny Shelton (elbow; limited), DE John Simon (shoulder; limited)
Chiefs: LB Tanoh Kpassagnon (ankle; limited)
The Patriots list nine players as questionable to perform in Sunday’s game – all of which being limited during today’s practice. Among the group is wide receiver Chris Hogan, who was absent yesterday but returned to the the field in limited capacity today. He will likely be a game-time decision. Others on the list, meanwhile, will likely be good to go: it would be a surprise if Josh Gordon, Rob Gronkowski and Danny Shelton did not play on Sunday. The statuses of the other five men listed as questionable appear to be less clear.