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By Rowan Fisher-Shotton
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The Kansas City Chiefs and Denver Broncos will meet for an important AFC West showdown on Sunday, with the division lead on the line. Kansas City enters at 5-1 after suffering their first loss of the NFL season in Seattle last weekend, while Denver is 5-2 and riding a three-game winning streak after beating the Cardinals in Arizona.
The Chiefs won the first meeting between the two teams in Week 1, demolishing the Broncos 31-10. But Denver has responded well since then, and now has the opportunity to move ahead of their division rivals in the standings. With the Broncos' defense allowing just 18.3 points per game since Week 2, Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs' offense will have their work cut out for them.
Unfortunately, Kansas City's defense now won't have two of their best players. Rookie cornerback Mansoor Delane has been downgraded to out with a shoulder injury after being listed as questionable on Friday's injury report, while veteran corner L'Jarius Sneed has been placed on injured reserve because of a knee injury. Sneed will miss at least the next four games, leaving the Chiefs without two important members of their secondary against Denver.
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Delane, the Chiefs' sixth overall pick, initially injured his right shoulder during the offseason and aggravated it in the season opener against Denver. After returning to the lineup in Week 3, he suffered another setback during Wednesday's practice ahead of the rematch with Denver. In five games this season, Delane has recorded 27 combined tackles (17 solo), three tackles for loss, five pass breakups, and one interception. He's also played nearly every defensive snap since returning in Week 3.
Sneed is also dealing with a recurring injury, with the knee issue forcing him to be limited in practice on Thursday and Friday. But his being placed on IR clearly signals the injury is more serious than anticipated, with Week 12 viewed as his expected return date. In six appearances this season, Sneed has recorded 32 combined tackles (22 solo), three pass breakups, two forced fumbles, and one fumble recovery.
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Losing both players is a tough blow to Kansas City's secondary, particularly against a division rival that's found its rhythm over the past few weeks. Delane has become the Chiefs' primary shutdown corner, while Sneed provides experience and flexibility to move around the defensive backfield. Kristian Fulton and Nohl Williams should likely see expanded roles in the meantime.
The timing is also less than ideal considering the Chiefs' upcoming schedule. After the Broncos on Sunday, Kansas City will host the Jets before traveling to face the Falcons and hosting the Cardinals. Then come three brutal road matchups against the Bills, Rams, and Bengals, with Sneed potentially returning for the Buffalo game, depending on his recovery.
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