Kansas City Chiefs Branden Albert likely out
Kansas City Chiefs offensive tackle Branden Albert (76) during the third quarter against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. The Chiefs defeated the Eagles 26-16. Mandatory Credit: Howard Smith-USA TODAY Sports
Kansas City Chiefs star left tackle Branden Albert hasn’t played since suffering a significant injury in the team’s Week 13 loss to the Denver Broncos, but it was initially believed that Albert avoided a much more serious injury. He has been expected to make his return any game now, but it looks like he won’t be playing in today’s game against Robert Mathis and the Indianapolis Colts.
The NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reports that Albert will “likely” miss today’s game with that knee injury, and star pass rusher Justin Houston remains a toss-up, so keep an eye out for all updates regarding his status. FOX Sports’s Mike Garafolo recently reported that Albert actually won’t play at all, and he added that Houston “might not” play against the Colts either.
It’s a situation worth monitoring closely, so all eyes should be peeled on the Chiefs inactive list prior to the 1:00 p.m. ET kick-off. Donald Stephenson figures to get the start for the Chiefs if Albert is indeed unable to go, and I wouldn’t expect Albert to go today. Based on Garafolo’s tweet, the Chiefs are playing things cautious with their injured stars, even though they know that today’s game against the Colts is a relatively big one (the Chiefs should still win, though) and every game counts in the race for a playoff bye.