KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The three Kansas City Chiefs players injured during a season-opening win last week won't play Sunday at the AFC West rival Los Angeles Chargers.
Starting cornerback Charvarius Ward and two defensive linemen, end Alex Okafor and tackle Khalen Saunders, left the Chiefs' 34-20 victory against the Houston Texans on Sept. 10.
Coach Andy Reid ruled out all three for Kansas City's 3:25 p.m. kickoff Sunday at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California.
Okafor, Saunders and Ward all inactive Sunday for the #Chiefs.
— Aaron Ladd (@aaronladd0) September 18, 2020
Ward broke a bone in his left hand, while Saunders dislocated his elbow and Okafor injured a hamstring.
The trio has not practiced all week, but they are the only Chiefs who have missed practice time Wednesday or Thursday.
Kansas City has dominated the AFC West in recent year, going 9-1 in its last 10 games against the Chargers and winning four straight division titles.
The team's final injury report ahead of Sunday's game is expected later Friday afternoon.
Ward is the biggest loss, especially with the Chiefs' other veteran starting cornerback, Bashaud Breeland, suspended for three more games for violating the NFL's personal conduct policy.
Rookie L'Jarius Sneed played well in Breeland's absence, but Kansas City needs a bigger contribution this week from second-year corner Rashad Fenton and free-agent addition Antonio Hamilton.
Rookie Mike Danna will be in line for more snaps without Okafor, who is listed as Tanoh Kpassagnon's backup at left defensive end, while undrafted rookie Tershawn Wharton is the only backup defensive tackle listed with Saunders' absence.
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