To no surprise, the Chiefs’ list of inactives carries numerous starters, including four players recently named to the Pro Bowl, for Sunday afternoon’s game against the San Diego Chargers.
Quarterback Alex Smith, running back Jamaal Charles, inside linebacker Derrick Johnson, left tackle Branden Albert, wide receiver Dwayne Bowe, outside linebacker Tamba Hali and defensive tackle Dontari Poe will sit out.
Bowe (concussion) and Hali (knee) were previously ruled out on Friday’s NFL Injury Report.
Smith, Charles, Albert, Johnson and Poe are healthy scratches, as the team gets them rested for the playoffs.
With Smith sitting, Chase Daniel is expected to start at quarterback with Tyler Bray as the backup.
The Chiefs will start rookie running back Knile Davis in Charles’ place, with Cyrus Gray as Davis’ backup.
Of note, outside linebacker Justin Houston (elbow) is active and could see action ahead of next week’s playoff game. Houston has missed four straight games heading into Week 17.