Marquise Brown

Hardman suffered a knee injury during practice ahead of Week 14 and was placed on injured reserve. The team opened his practice window nearly three weeks ago, meaning they had to make a choice whether to activate him or not this week. He had yet to get in a full practice, so it's possible the knee issue didn't progress the way Kansas City thought it would. On the other hand, the return of Marquise Brown meant there wasn't much of a role for Hardman on offense. Reid may not have had a roster spot to spare for Hardman. Either way, the speedy special teamer ends his sixth NFL season with 12 catches for 90 scoreless yards. He will look for a return role in free agency in the spring.

Chiefs RB Isiah Pacheco (rib) has been ruled out for Sunday's game vs. the Broncos. He's expected to be ready for the team's playoff opener in a couple of weeks. QB Patrick Mahomes, RB Kareem Hunt, and TE Travis Kelce are listed as doubtful and won't play in this meaningless game. Don't expect WRs Xavier Worthy, DeAndre Hopkins, or Marquise Brown to play much, if at all.

Chiefs QB Carson Wentz will start this weekend's game vs. the Broncos, HC Andy Reid said Wednesday. QB Patrick Mahomes will get the day off after clinching the AFC's No. 1 seed last week. Other key contributors like RBs Isiah Pacheco and Kareem Hunt, WRs Xavier Worthy, Marquise Brown, and DeAndre Hopkins, and TE Travis Kelce also figure to be held out or limited against Denver. Try to avoid the Chiefs offense in Week 18 fantasy lineups. They're currently implied for only 14.75 points in Denver.