The Chiefs will begin Carson Wentz’s backup at quarterback Sunday in Denver in a recreation which means nothing to Kansas City, which has already clinched the No. 1 seed within the AFC playoffs, however might imply every part to the Broncos.
Chiefs coach Andy Reid introduced his resolution to relaxation Patrick Mahomes on Wednesday, shortly earlier than they returned to apply after an prolonged break following the Christmas Day win at Pittsburgh. But Reid declined to say who else would possibly spend the day with Mahomes on the sideline, noting that solely a sure variety of gamers might be rested given roster limitations.
“If anybody desires to begin messing round,” Reid stated, “there’s not a giant mess occurring. So guys play.”
The Broncos would clinch a playoff berth because the No. 7 seed by beating the Chiefs, incomes a visit to Buffalo for his or her postseason opener. If they lose, they’ll want the Jets to beat the Dolphins and the Steelers to beat the Bengals.
There’s a great likelihood Chiefs defensive deal with Chris Jones, who suffered a calf pressure a few weeks in the past, shall be one in all their veterans who takes the week off.
The similar might go for operating again Isiah Pacheco, who has bruised ribs, proper deal with Jawaan Taylor, who has a sore knee, and veteran tight finish Travis Kelce, who equally missed the Week 18 recreation of final yr.
Reid stated he takes into consideration whether or not gamers have any wage bonuses they might get. And that might imply three-time All-Pro extensive receiver DeAndre Hopkins will get loads of enjoying time towards the Broncos.
Hopkins, who was acquired from the Chiefs in a midseason commerce with Tennessee, wants 9 receptions to succeed in 65 and set off a $250,000 bonus. He has 610 receiving yards, which implies one other 140 would earn him one other $250,000. And if a kind of receptions was a landing, Hopkins would earn a further $500,000 for catching six of them this season.
“We need children to have the ability to attain them if they’re reachable,” Reid stated.
On Sunday, will probably be Wentz’s flip to get the ball to Hopkins.
He signed with Kansas City within the offseason as Mahomes’ newest veteran backup, following within the footsteps of Matt Moore, Chad Henne and Blaine Gabbert. And although Wentz hasn’t performed because the preseason — he was 2-of-2 for 20 yards in closing out a win at Cleveland — the ninth-year professional has earned the respect of practically everybody within the Chiefs’ locker room.
“I started working out with him at workforce camp, stuff like that. Carson is an elite QB and lots of people take that with no consideration,” stated fullback Carson Steele, who may very well be amongst these getting further reps in Denver in order that Pacheco and Kareem Hunt can take a break.
“It’s actually cool to see how he performs,” Steele stated, “particularly being a veteran like him.”
Wentz began 68 video games, largely with Philadelphia, the place he was chosen to a Pro Bowl whereas going 11-2 through the 2017 season. He by no means performed on the similar excessive degree for the remainder of his time with the Eagles, who was derailed by damage, and Wentz performed simply eight video games over the previous three seasons with the Commanders, Rams and Chiefs.
His resolution to signal with Kansas City was made partly with the aim of constructing his worth and beginning someplace subsequent season.
“Obviously it has been totally different,” Wentz stated, “however I’ve stayed locked in, prepared, ready each week. I’ve taken some issues from Pat, working with him, however each week I keep locked in and able to go.”
NOTES: WR Mecole Hardman (knee) has returned to apply, opening a 21-day window through which the Chiefs should activate him or place him on injured reserve on the finish of the season. Reid stated Hardman is unlikely to play Sunday. … LT DJ Humphries (torn hamstring) might play towards the Broncos. The former Pro Bowl decide, who’s coming off a torn anterior cruciate ligament, appeared in only one recreation after signing with Kansas City in late November earlier than getting damage. The Chiefs have needed to patch up their offensive line with out him, however the hope is that Humphries shall be prepared for the playoffs. “He feels higher. I simply wish to see how he does right here in apply, give me one other go round him,” Reid stated.
Associated Press reporting.
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