Jawaan Taylor's Ankle Issue Worries the Kansas City Chiefs

For the Kansas City Chiefs, offensive line stability has been a fragile commodity all season—and the latest news about right tackle Jawaan Taylor’s ankle injury has only amplified those concerns. Taylor, a high-profile free-agent signing in the offseason brought in to shore up Patrick Mahomes’ blind side, left the Chiefs’ Week 14 win over the Las Vegas Raiders in the third quarter with a twisted ankle and didn’t return. Initial reports suggested the injury was mild, but subsequent practice absences and vague updates from the coaching staff have fueled worry among fans and analysts alike. With the Chiefs in a tight race for AFC playoff seeding and a brutal stretch of games ahead, Taylor’s availability has become a pressing question—one that could shape the team’s championship aspirations. Jawaan Taylor's Ankle Issue Worries the Kansas City Chiefs explores the severity of the injury, Taylor’s impact on the offensive line, and why his health is so critical for the Chiefs’ late-season push.

Taylor’s injury occurred in a seemingly routine play during the third quarter of the Raiders game. While blocking Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby on a running play, Taylor planted his right foot awkwardly, causing his ankle to roll inward. He immediately grabbed his ankle, stayed on the turf for several minutes, and was helped off the field by team trainers. The Chiefs initially listed him as “questionable to return,” but as the game progressed and backup tackle Lucas Niang took over, it became clear the injury was more significant than first thought. Postgame, head coach Andy Reid offered little clarity, saying only, “We’ll evaluate him this week and see where he’s at.” For Taylor, who had started all 14 games this season and played over 90% of the Chiefs’ offensive snaps, the injury marks his first significant absence since joining the team. What’s particularly concerning is the timing: the Chiefs face the Buffalo Bills (a team with one of the NFL’s top pass rushes) in Week 15, followed by matchups against the Cincinnati Bengals and Los Angeles Chargers—all teams that could exploit a weakened offensive line. “Losing a player like Taylor for any amount of time is a big blow,” said a former NFL offensive line coach. “He’s been their most consistent lineman this season, and replacing that level of play isn’t easy.” Jawaan Taylor's Ankle Issue Worries the Kansas City Chiefs emphasizes that this isn’t just a minor setback; it’s a threat to the Chiefs’ ability to protect Mahomes and establish a consistent run game.

To understand why Taylor’s ankle issue is so worrying, you need to look at his role in stabilizing the Chiefs’ offensive line. Before Taylor’s arrival, the Chiefs’ right tackle position was a revolving door—they used four different starters at the spot in 2022, leading to inconsistent protection for Mahomes. Taylor, who was a Pro Bowl alternate with the Jacksonville Jaguars last season, was signed to a four-year, $80 million contract to fix that problem—and he’s delivered. Through 14 games, Taylor has allowed just 3 sacks and 12 quarterback pressures, the lowest totals among Chiefs offensive linemen. He’s also been a key run-blocker, helping spring running back Isiah Pacheco (who returned from injury in Week 14) for several long gains earlier in the season. What makes Taylor irreplaceable is his versatility: he can play both right and left tackle, a trait that’s been invaluable when other linemen have gotten hurt. Without him, the Chiefs are forced to rely on Niang, a fifth-year player with a history of injuries and inconsistency. Niang, who filled in for Taylor against the Raiders, allowed 1 sack and 2 pressures in just over a quarter of play—a sign of the challenges ahead. “Taylor is the glue that holds that offensive line together,” said an NFL analyst. “He’s the one guy they can’t afford to lose, especially against teams with elite pass-rushers like the Bills’ Von Miller and the Bengals’ Trey Hendrickson.” Jawaan Taylor's Ankle Issue Worries the Kansas City Chiefs highlights that Taylor’s absence would create a domino effect, weakening both pass protection and run blocking.

For the Kansas City Chiefs, the biggest concern about Taylor’s ankle issue is how it could impact their ability to protect Mahomes. Mahomes, who has already been sacked 29 times this season (the most since his 2019 MVP campaign), relies on a stable offensive line to have time to read defenses and make plays. With Taylor out, Niang would likely start at right tackle, but his inconsistent play could leave Mahomes vulnerable to pressure from the edge. The Bills, in particular, have a pass rush that ranks fourth in the NFL in sacks (40), led by Miller and defensive tackle Ed Oliver. If Niang struggles to block Miller, the Bills could force Mahomes into quick decisions, limiting the Chiefs’ passing game and putting more pressure on the run game. The Kansas City Chiefs’ coaching staff has already started preparing for this scenario: in practice this week, they’ve had Niang take first-team reps at right tackle and have also cross-trained left tackle Donovan Smith to play right tackle, just in case. They’ve also added extra blocking drills to practice, focusing on stopping edge rushers. “We’re doing everything we can to prepare for any situation,” Reid said. “We have confidence in Lucas, but we also know we need to give him all the support we can.” Even with these preparations, however, replacing Taylor’s consistency and experience will be a tall order. Jawaan Taylor's Ankle Issue Worries the Kansas City Chiefs shows that the Chiefs’ ability to win their upcoming games could hinge on how well they adapt to Taylor’s potential absence.

Taylor’s ankle issue also has implications for the Kansas City Chiefs’ run game, which has finally started to find its rhythm with Pacheco’s return. Taylor is a physical run-blocker who excels at pushing defenders off the line of scrimmage and creating holes for running backs. In the Chiefs’ Week 14 win over the Raiders, Taylor helped clear the way for Pacheco’s 85-yard rushing performance—the team’s best run game output since Week 4. Without Taylor, the Chiefs’ run-blocking could regress: Niang is more of a pass-blocker than a run-blocker, and his smaller frame (6-foot-6, 305 pounds, compared to Taylor’s 6-foot-5, 325 pounds) makes it harder for him to move defensive linemen in the run game. This could force the Chiefs to rely more on passing plays, which would put even more pressure on Mahomes and increase the risk of turnovers. “Our run game and pass game are connected,” said offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy. “If we can’t run the ball effectively, defenses can stack the box and focus on stopping the pass. That’s a tough spot to be in, especially against good teams.” The Kansas City Chiefs have already seen this happen earlier in the season, when a struggling run game led to Mahomes being sacked three times and intercepted once in a Week 13 loss to the Dallas Cowboys. Avoiding a repeat of that scenario will be key—and it starts with Taylor’s health. Jawaan Taylor's Ankle Issue Worries the Kansas City Chiefs underscores that Taylor’s injury isn’t just a pass-protection problem; it’s a threat to the entire balance of the Chiefs’ offense.

Looking ahead, the Kansas City Chiefs will likely take a cautious approach with Taylor’s ankle issue. While they need him for their playoff push, they also don’t want to risk a more serious injury that could keep him out for the postseason. Reports suggest the team is considering listing Taylor as “questionable” for the Bills game and may limit his snaps if he does play, using a rotation with Niang to keep him fresh. For Taylor, who has a history of playing through minor injuries (he played through a knee issue last season with the Jaguars), the decision to play will likely come down to pain tolerance and the advice of team doctors. “I want to be out there with my teammates,” Taylor said in a brief interview this week. “But I also know I can’t help the team if I’m not at 100%.” For Chiefs fans, the next few days will be filled with anticipation as they wait for updates on Taylor’s status. If he can play against the Bills, even at less than full strength, it would be a major boost for the team. If not, the Chiefs will have to rely on their depth and coaching to overcome the loss. Jawaan Taylor's Ankle Issue Worries the Kansas City Chiefs concludes that while the Chiefs have the talent and experience to adapt to Taylor’s absence, his health remains one of the biggest question marks in their quest for another Super Bowl. In the end, the success of their late-season push may come down to a single ankle—and whether it can hold up under the pressure of the NFL’s toughest stretch.