KANSAS CITY, Mo. — This Sunday, the Kansas City Chiefs are set to have backup quarterback Carson Wentz take the reins in their matchup against the Denver Broncos. The game is of little consequence to the Chiefs, as they have already secured the top seed in the AFC playoffs. In contrast, the outcome holds significant implications for the Broncos, who must win to clinch a playoff spot.
Chiefs head coach Andy Reid made the announcement to rest star quarterback Patrick Mahomes on Wednesday, just ahead of the team’s return to practice after a break following their Christmas Day victory in Pittsburgh. While Reid confirmed Mahomes would be on the sidelines, he was less forthcoming about which other players might join him, acknowledging that due to roster constraints, only a limited number of players can be rested.
“If someone wants to start messing with it,” Reid explained, “there’s not a whole lot of messing going on. So guys play.”
For the Broncos, securing a victory against the Chiefs would guarantee them the No. 7 seed in the playoffs, setting them up for a matchup against Buffalo in the postseason. However, if they fail to win, they would rely on outside help, needing the Jets to defeat the Dolphins and the Steelers to overcome the Bengals.
Defensive tackle Chris Jones, who is dealing with a calf strain suffered a few weeks ago, may also be one of the prominent veterans taking a break this week. Other players potentially sidelined include running back Isiah Pacheco, who has been battling rib injuries, right tackle Jawaan Taylor with knee soreness, and tight end Travis Kelce, who opted out of last year’s Week 18 game.
Reid noted that he considers players’ potential for earning salary bonuses in his decision-making process, which could lead to a busy day for wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins against Denver. After being acquired from Tennessee midseason, Hopkins requires just nine catches to hit 65 receptions, triggering a $250,000 incentive. He is also 140 yards short of another $250,000 bonus and stands to earn an additional $500,000 if he scores a touchdown, achieving six lights in total this year.
“We want the guys to be able to reach them if they’re reachable,” Reid mentioned regarding player incentives.
As Wentz steps into the starting role, it will be his task to connect with Hopkins on the field. The seasoned quarterback joined Kansas City during the offseason, following in the path of other veteran backups to Mahomes. Though Wentz saw limited action in the preseason, where he completed two passes for 20 yards in a win against Cleveland, he has gained respect in the Chiefs’ locker room.
“I got to train with him in team camp, stuff like that. Carson is an elite QB and a lot of people take that for granted,” said fullback Carson Steele, who may also see additional playing time on Sunday to rest Pacheco and Kareem Hunt.
“It’s really cool to see how he performs,” Steele added, “especially being a veteran like himself.”
Carson Wentz has a history of success, having started 68 games primarily with the Philadelphia Eagles, including a Pro Bowl selection in 2017. However, his career has also been marred by injuries, and in the last three seasons, he has only started eight games with the Commanders, Rams, and now the Chiefs. His decision to join Kansas City was partly to enhance his future prospects as a starting quarterback.
“It’s obviously been different,” Wentz acknowledged, “but I’ve stayed locked in, stayed ready, prepared every week. I’ve taken some things from Pat, working with him, but every week I’m staying locked in and ready to go.”
In other team news, wide receiver Mecole Hardman has returned to practice, initiating a 21-day evaluation period during which the Chiefs must either activate him or place him on injured reserve for the season. However, Reid expressed doubt about Hardman’s availability for the upcoming game. Offensive lineman D.J. Humphries, recovering from a hamstring strain, may also feature against the Broncos. The former Pro Bowl player, who is still working back from a torn ACL, has seen limited action since signing with Kansas City at the end of November. Reid remains hopeful that Humphries can be ready in time for the playoffs. “He’s feeling better. I just want to see how he does here in practice, give me one more go-around with him,” Reid commented.
