The Kansas City Chiefs will be facing the San Diego Chargers without quarterback Alex Smith over at the Arrowhead Stadium this Sunday's finale.
Smith is dealing with a lacerated spleen which if hit could result into a more serious injury. Taking Smith's place is Chase Daniel.
The injury was believed to have been incurred from the Chiefs game against the Pittsburgh Steelers last week. In fact, Smith was still able to practice two days before the injury was discovered. Smith complained of stomach discomfort, pressure and cramping before being eventually checked and diagnosed that led to the discovery of the injury.
According to reports, it may take a minimum of six weeks for Smith's injury to heal.
From ESPN:
"It certainly wasn't something that was limiting me athletically. I just kind of had this discomfort and nausea kind of coming and going. There was a bug going around. I thought it was that.''
The sidelining of Smith couldn't have come at a worse time considering the Chiefs could possibly reach the playoffs with a victory against the Chargers. However in order for the Chiefs to advance, the Baltimore Ravens would need to lose to the Cleveland Browns and also hope that the Houston Texans either lose or end up tied with the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Should the Chiefs come out with a victory and all else falls into place, Smith could eventually make a return in the playoffs.
Despite losing Smith, coach Mike McCoy remains confident that the Chiefs can still make do with their system. And for replacement quarterback Chase Daniel, he is ready as ever to take on the challenge.
"I wouldn't rather have it any other way than to be put into a situation with everything on the line," he said. "I know the team believes in me and we'll go out there and try to put drives together against a good San Diego defense."
