The Kansas City Chiefs are still dealing with the fallout from their frustrating loss to the Denver Broncos. A late false-start penalty wiped out what appeared to be a go-ahead touchdown, leaving Patrick Mahomes and his teammates with another road defeat. Along with that, Kansas City has another well-known problem to address before its return to Arrowhead Stadium: three defensive players will be unavailable against the New York Jets.

The Chiefs confirmed the setback in their final injury report on Friday. “Nikko Remigio is questionable to play Sunday against the New York Jets,” the team announced on X. “Peter Woods, Mansoor Delane, and Omarr Norman-Lott are out.”

The three absences leave defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo without two defensive tackles and a starting cornerback for the Week 9 matchup. Nikko Remigio could still miss the game despite making progress this week.

Nikko Remigio’s status

Remigio dealt with a hip issue this week but logged full practice sessions Thursday and Friday, which likely means he is trending toward playing Sunday, though his availability isn’t certain.

While Remigio has played just two offensive snaps through seven games, his primary impact is felt heavily on special teams, where he has emerged as a reliable weapon. Special teams coordinator Dave Toub has publicly called Remigio one of the most trusted players on the roster.

“I call him the adult in the room,” Toub said last October.

That trust translates directly to the field, where Remigio anchors the return game. This season, he has handled 10 kick returns for 274 yards, good for a 27.4 average, along with 12 punt returns for 70 yards, making his potential absence a notable special teams setback.

Peter Woods ruled out

Rookie defensive tackle Peter Woods is sidelined with a neck injury after missing all three practices this week. He sustained the issue during last Sunday’s 28-24 loss in Denver, marking a recurring concern after a similar neck designation limited him ahead of Week 6 against the Los Angeles Chargers. Because neck issues and stingers vary significantly in recovery time, his return will depend heavily on subsequent medical evaluations.

As a developing rotational piece who has appeared in seven games without a start, Woods has logged roughly 190 defensive snaps alongside 26 special teams appearances. Operating primarily as an interior rotational lineman to spell Chris Jones and share snaps with Khyiris Tonga, Woods has recorded 13 tackles, a half-sack, and one pass defended this season.

His absence will directly strain Kansas City’s interior depth, forcing veterans like Jones and Tonga to absorb a heavier snap share on early downs. While Woods has struggled somewhat against the run, carrying a 43.6 PFF run-defense grade, his pass-rush grade sits higher at 59.8. With the Chiefs already struggling to generate pressure, tallying just nine sacks through seven games (including a half-sack and roughly two pressures from Woods), his absence thins an already quiet interior rush rotation even further.

Mansoor Delane ruled out again

Cornerback Mansoor Delane will also sit out after dealing with a shoulder injury throughout the week. Although the first-round pick returned to practice on a limited basis across all three sessions, he remains unfit to play and is set to miss his second consecutive game.

Delane’s absence will continue to test the Chiefs’ secondary depth, leaving Kristian Fulton and Nohl Williams to hold down the starting cornerback spots, just as they did in his absence last weekend.

Head coach Andy Reid offered a positive update on both first-round picks, even though neither will be available against New York.

“Both those two… are making progress, and that’s a positive thing, but they’re going to be out this game,” Reid said on Friday. “It’s just a matter of getting back and making sure they’re strong; both of them, it’s a strength thing right now.”

Delane’s absence is particularly significant for the secondary. The sixth overall pick has started five games and recorded 27 tackles, one interception, and five passes defended.

His absence also reduces the Chiefs’ options along the defensive interior, especially with Omarr Norman-Lott unavailable.

Omarr Norman-Lott sidelined

Defensive tackle Omarr Norman-Lott has also been ruled out for Sunday’s matchup after suffering a knee injury. Though he managed to participate on a limited basis in practice this week, he remains unable to clear medical protocol in time to face New York. The setback comes at a tough time for Kansas City, as Norman-Lott had been carving out an increasingly pivotal role within the interior defensive front, tallying five tackles and a sack across five appearances.

His physical presence at the point of attack and knack for commanding double teams consistently opened up freedom and playmaking room for superstar Chris Jones. The veteran All-Pro hasn’t hidden how much Norman-Lott’s absence impacts the front four, as losing his rotational push leaves the Chiefs’ interior line depth significantly thinned.

What are the key matchup dynamics ahead of Sunday?

The three defensive absences come despite Kansas City having one of the league’s better run defenses. The Chiefs have allowed 96.3 rushing yards per game through seven games, ranking eighth in the NFL. Losing two defensive tackles could test that strength, particularly if the Jets try to establish the run with Breece Hall, who is set to return after missing time with a quadriceps injury.

There is some relief for Kansas City on the other side of the matchup. New York will be without leading receiver Garrett Wilson, who was ruled out with a concussion. That removes a major target from the Jets’ passing game, although the Chiefs will still need to account for the other options in New York’s offense.

Remigio remains the only Chief with a “questionable” designation. If he cannot suit up, Kansas City may need another option on kick and punt returns. The team added Jacob De Jesus to its practice squad this week, giving it another player with punt return experience.

Mahomes, Rashee Rice, Travis Kelce, Nick Bolton, and Drue Tranquill all finished the week without game designations. Their availability gives Kansas City some stability as it tries to respond to two consecutive road losses. But the defense will have to manage without three contributors when the Jets visit on Sunday.