The Kansas City Chiefs will be without quarterback Alex Smith for Sunday's game against the San Diego Chargers, according to ESPN NFL Nation reporter Adam Teicher. Chase Daniel will make his first start of the season in Smith's place.
Chiefs QB Alex Smith out with lacerated spleen
Chiefs quarterback Alex Smith will not play in Sunday’s game against the Chargers after suffering a lacerated spleen last week against the Steelers.
Jason Bridge-USA TODAY Sports
Smith suffered a lacerated spleen last week after taking a shot to the abdomen against the Pittsburgh Steelers. The quarterback said that he felt pain after the game but did not believe it was serious, comparing it to a lingering stomach ache. Though he was a full participant in practice on Tuesday and Wednesday, he didn't feel right and was ultimately ruled out on Friday. Smith is expected to be out six weeks, according to Chiefs trainer Rick Burkholder, but should make a full recovery.
The Chiefs are still in contention for the final spot in the AFC playoff field, but need some help in order to make the postseason. They have to beat the Chargers, and also hope that both the Baltimore Ravens and Houston Texans lose their final games.
Daniel appeared in one game this season, taking four snaps and attempting one pass in the Chiefs win over the Oakland Raiders in Week 15. Daniel's only career start came in Week 17 of last year in a loss to the Chargers, when he completed 21 of 30 attempts for 200 yards and one touchdown.
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