Chiefs' Injury Concerns at Key Position Worsen in 2nd Preseason Game

The Kansas City Chiefs' injury problem at cornerback is only getting worse.

During Friday's 33-16 preseason Week 2 loss to the Seattle Seahawks, rookie third-round pick (No. 85 overall) Nohl Williams exited in the third quarter after suffering a head injury. The team later announced he was in concussion protocol.

Earlier in the loss, the Chiefs ruled cornerback Nazeeh Johnson out with a shoulder injury.

Kristian Fulton began training camp on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list but returned to practice on a limited basis on Aug. 7. Starting nickel corner Jaylen Watson entered concussion protocol after leaving preseason Week 1's loss to the Arizona Cardinals. During the same game, safety Deon Bush suffered a season-ending Achilles injury.

Chiefs Will Need Patrick Mahomes in MVP Form Early in 2025

As the injuries pile up, more pressure will be on the Chiefs offense to find a rhythm quickly.

Kansas City's perfect 9-0 start masked a difficult start to the season for Mahomes. During the first seven games, the two-time Associated Press Most Valuable Player threw eight touchdowns and nine interceptions, at least one in each game.

The defense held up its end of the bargain, allowing 17.6 points per game during that span. But with so many injuries already to the secondary this year, Kansas City might not be able to rely on the unit as much early in 2025.

With three weeks until the start of the regular season, the Chiefs have time to get healthy. Still, it's never good being hobbled before the season even begins.

If one team in the NFL can weather defensive injuries, though, it's the Chiefs. After all, Mahomes comes through more often than note. A year after the defense bailed him out on more than one occasion, it could be time he returns the favor.