Is it really a trap game if everybody acknowledges it as one beforehand?
The Kansas City Chiefs, as double-digit favorites, will put that to the test on Sunday when they visit the Carolina Panthers.
The Chiefs enter Week 12 coming off their first loss of the season, but the Panthers are perhaps the get-right destination of the autumn. For a team many felt was undefeated for too long based on its true talent level, winning comfortably is the only way to hold off panic and keep sole possession of the AFC's top seed.
However, Kansas City will be without running back Isiah Pacheco and defensive end Charles Omenihu, both of whom remain on injured reserve.
As for the Chiefs' game day inactives, the following won't get a helmet against the Panthers:
Running Back Clyde Edwards-HelaireOffensive Lineman C.J. HansonOffensive Tackle Ethan DriskellDefensive Tackle Marlon TuipulotuDefensive End Cameron Thomas
The Panthers, meanwhile, have a surprising name sidelined for Sunday.
Receiver Jalen CokerSafety Jammie RobinsonCornerback Shemar BartholomewOutside Linebacker Thomas IncoomOutside Linebacker DJ JohnsonOffensive Lineman Jarrett KingstonDefensive Tackle Jaden Crumedy
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Coker, having gained steam in recent weeks, didn't get the green light for Week 12. He suffered a quad injury late in the week and thus will be held out of the festivities, making a vulnerable Carolina offense that much less potent.
As for the Chiefs, there isn't much in the form of newsworthy omissions. Edwards-Helaire will remain out for personal reasons. Kansas City, fortunately, is fairly healthy, so its inactives are merely depth-based selections.
With Pacheco and Omenihu still on injured reserve, neither count towards the game day roster. Regardless, fans can count on Pacheco rejoining the team next week when, if all goes well, the Chiefs will already have their 10th win of the season.
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