Chiefs-Falcons injury report: James Pearce Jr. questionable, Kenneth Walker in doubt

The Kansas City Chiefs could face an Atlanta front missing some of its key pieces Sunday. The Falcons listed edge rusher James Pearce Jr. as questionable with a back injury on their final report of the week. According to SB Nation, Pearce did not practice Wednesday. CBS Sports reported that he was limited on both Thursday and Friday. Defensive tackle Gervon Dexter Sr. (illness) followed the same pattern and is also questionable. Linebacker Divine Deablo (forearm) is listed as doubtful after missing the last two sessions.

Atlanta's injuries are mostly on defense. Linebacker Josh Woods (ankle) is questionable but finished the week with a full practice. Wide receiver Zachariah Branch (hamstring) is the only Falcon ruled out. SB Nation noted that his absence will carry into Atlanta's bye the following weekend.

Kansas City's biggest worry is in its own backfield. Kenneth Walker III reported groin tightness Friday morning and sat out the final practice, which leaves him questionable. Walker's 872 rushing yards rank second in the NFL, and ESPN's Nate Taylor noted the only player ahead of him is Atlanta's Bijan Robinson at 880. "We're not going to put him at risk," Andy Reid told ESPN. Backup Jaydn Ott (hamstring) is also questionable. Cornerback Mansoor Delane (shoulder) carries the same tag despite practicing fully all week. The Chiefs ruled out offensive lineman Jaylon Moore (ankle) and defensive linemen Peter Woods (neck) and Omarr Norman-Lott (knee). Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce, Rashee Rice and Xavier Worthy all practiced fully.

What it means for Sunday in Atlanta

Kansas City is 6-2 and comes off a 35-12 win over the New York Jets. Before that, the Chiefs had lost two straight road games, 28-24 at Denver and 20-3 at Seattle. They are 4-0 at home and 2-2 away, with road wins at Las Vegas and Miami. Across eight games they have scored 202 points and allowed 143, or about 25 points for and 18 against per game. If Walker can't play, that average will have to come without the league's No. 2 rusher. On the other side, a limited Pearce and Dexter would ease the pressure on a line that is already without Moore.

The Chiefs are favored across the 12 venues on this site's board. Novig has Kansas City at -167 on the moneyline and Atlanta at +163. The venues don't agree on the spread. Novig has the Chiefs at -3.5, paying +117. The best price anywhere is Pinnacle's Chiefs -3 at -111, and CBS Sports listed DraftKings at a field goal as well. Novig sets the total at 47.5, while the best Over price on the board is BetRivers at 46.5 for -120. Sportsbook hold runs 2.9% to 4.5% on the moneyline and 3.1% to 4.8% on the spread. Walker's status is the update most likely to move those numbers before kickoff on CBS.

Kansas City returns home after this game to host Arizona on November 22.