The Kansas City Chiefs will be without two of their top rookies when they host the New York Jets on Sunday.
Cornerback Mansoor Delane and defensive tackle Peter Woods have both been ruled out, according to coach Andy Reid. The absences thin an already challenged defense for a team sitting at 5-2.
Delane, the sixth overall pick in the 2026 draft out of LSU, will miss his second straight game with a right shoulder injury. He practiced on a limited basis earlier in the week but was held out of the lineup Friday.
The 22-year-old has recorded 26 tackles, one interception and five passes defended in five games this season. His Pro Football Focus grade of 79.7 ranks among the top cornerbacks league-wide.
The shoulder problem first surfaced during the offseason program and training camp, forcing Delane into a non-contact jersey at times. He aggravated it in Week 1 after intercepting Broncos quarterback Bo Nix on the opening series and left after just three snaps.
Delane dressed for the Week 2 win over the Colts but did not play a snap, serving only as an emergency option. He returned later in the season before missing last Sunday’s loss in Denver.
Reid noted the pair of rookies continues to make progress, calling that a positive development even as both sit out.
Woods, selected 29th overall from Clemson, will miss his first game of the season with a neck injury. The issue began as a stinger during the second quarter of the Broncos game, when he left early and was later ruled out.
In limited action, Woods has 13 tackles and half a sack while playing roughly 46 percent of defensive snaps. His absence adds to interior line depth questions, with Omarr Norman-Lott also not expected to play as he works back from injured reserve.
On the other side of the ball, the Jets ruled out wide receiver Garrett Wilson for a second straight week because of a concussion. Wilson remains in the protocol after exiting last Sunday’s loss to the Raiders.
Kristian Fulton and Nohl Williams started at corner last weekend in Delane’s place. Fulton has seen increased snaps in recent weeks and figures to remain in the starting role against New York.
The Chiefs opened practice windows for several other players this week, including tight end Travis Kelce and wide receiver Rashee Rice, both of whom returned to full participation by Thursday. Linebacker Nick Bolton and quarterback Patrick Mahomes were full participants throughout the week.
The matchup at Arrowhead Stadium is scheduled for 1 p.m. Eastern on Sunday. Kansas City enters looking to rebound from a 28-24 loss in Denver, while the Jets arrive at 2-6.
Delane’s interception and early-season production had given the secondary a boost before the shoulder setback. With both first-rounders sidelined, the Chiefs will lean on veterans and depth pieces up front and in the secondary.
Woods’ neck issue marks the first time the rookie defensive tackle has been unavailable for a game. His half-sack and consistent snap share had helped stabilize the interior during stretches of the season.
The Jets’ offense will also operate without its leading receiver, shifting more responsibility to running back Breece Hall, who is expected back after missing time with a quadriceps injury.
Chiefs defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo will have to adjust coverage and front alignments without the two rookies. The team has shown resilience in previous games when key pieces were limited.
Sunday’s contest offers both sides a chance to address recent setbacks before the stretch run of the regular season.
