Chiefs Face a Critical Test: Can Their Shaky Depth Survive Week 13 After Star Defender’s Devastating Ankle Injury vs. Cowboys?QQ
The Kansas City Chiefs are running out of bodies at the safety position in Week 13 against the Dallas Cowboys.
Chiefs fourth-year S Bryan Cook is dealing with an ankle injury that he suffered with about nine minutes left in the first quarter of the game. Cook went down on the field after tackling CeeDee Lamb on a 17-yard gain, grasping at his ankle. He was helped off the field by the training staff, who took him to the training table to re-tape his ankle.
Cook would re-enter the Week 13 game against the Cowboys with about 12:34 to go in the second quarter. CBS Sports’ Tracy Wolfson reported shortly after that Cook was dealing with a right ankle injury and that he’d try to gut it out, but only on third down for Kansas City. Shortly after that announcement was made on the broadcast, the Chiefs deemed Cook questionable to return with an ankle injury.
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Cook’s absence was felt in the second quarter on Malik Davis’ 43-yard touchdown run. He’s a sure tackler from depth at the safety position, whereas second-year man Jaden Hicks whiffed on his tackle attempt from that spot. Cook’s absence today is also a reminder of just how shorthanded the Chiefs are at this position right now. Chris Roland-Wallace is inactive due to injury, but it’s deeper than just his absence.
The Chiefs are already shorthanded at safety heading into the Week 13 game vs. the Cowboys
The Chiefs have just three players at the safety position available in the wake of Cook’s injury. Suppose they have another injury at the position. In that case, they might have to play a player like Kevin Knowles (cornerback) or Jeffrey Bassa (linebacker) out of position to run some of the packages that Steve Spagnuolo wants to run.
Chiefs’ 2025 NFL season safety depth quick facts
- Starter: Bryan Cook (injured)
- Starter: Chamarri Conner
- Reserve: Chris Roland-Wallace (out)
- Reserve: Jaden Hicks
- Practice squad: Mike Edwards (elevated)
- Injured reserve: Deon Bush (Achilles)
Brett Veach might have to scour free agency to find a player at this position if Cook’s injury keeps him out for any length of time.
