Kansas City @ San Francisco preview
Levi's Stadium
Last Meeting ( Aug 14, 2021 ) Kansas City 19, San Francisco 16
Prior to the season, it seemed like meetings between AFC West teams and those in the NFC West would end up being must-see football.
The divisions appeared loaded and perhaps the two best in the league.
Now, as Week 7 beckons and the Kansas City Chiefs (4-2) visit the San Francisco 49ers (3-3), there is a decidedly different feel as only two teams of the eight (Kansas City and the Los Angeles Chargers) have winning records.
The Chiefs hit the road after last week's 24-20 loss to the Buffalo Bills, while the 49ers are licking their wounds (and there are many) following a two-touchdown loss at Atlanta.
Those wounds have been piling up, especially on the offensive and defensive lines, where coach Kyle Shanahan hopes there will be some relief for this critical matchup.
Left tackle Trent Williams and defensive end Nick Bosa have been sidelined with injuries, but Shanahan said he feels better about them coming back this week.
"I'm really hoping for it and I think there's a decent chance," Shanahan said.
Both were limited during Wednesday's practice.
However, defensive tackles Arik Armstead and Javon Kinlaw are also injured, with Kinlaw on injured reserve, while right tackle Mike McGlinchey suffered a calf injury in the loss to the Falcons. Shanahan said there's "a chance" McGlinchey will be available against Kansas City, but there's not much optimism about Armstead.
"It's a huge loss for us right now," Shanahan said. "Same with Javon and not having him in there either."
Armstead and McGlinchey did not practice Wednesday.
Meanwhile, the Chiefs lost to the Bills for the second consecutive year in the regular season, and while quarterback Patrick Mahomes passed for 338 yards and two touchdowns, he also had two interceptions, including one late in the game as Kansas City tried to mount a comeback.
Still, he is one of only four quarterbacks in the NFL with a passer rating of at least 100 and is tied for the league lead with 17 touchdown passes.
Seven have been to tight end Travis Kelce, who has already snared 41 catches for 455 yards. On paper, Sunday's game should highlight the tight ends, but San Francisco's George Kittle has been hampered by injuries. He has played in four of the team's six games and has 19 receptions for 182 yards and no touchdowns.
Chiefs guard Joe Thuney (ankle) did not practice Wednesday. Meanwhile, rookie cornerback Trent McDuffie, who was designated for return from injured reserve Oct. 12, practiced Wednesday.
"We'll see how he does," Kansas City coach Andy Reid said of McDuffie.
Reid also noted the challenge his offense faces from other teams because of the team's success.
"With the record we have, it seems we get different looks from what teams have shown traditionally," Reid said. "So, we need to be flexible on your feet and maneuver around it."
The two teams don't play often, but did square off in Super Bowl LIV three seasons ago when quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo led the 49ers to a lead entering the fourth quarter. However, Mahomes spearheaded a comeback and the Chiefs won 31-20.
--Field Level Media