KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP)
Broncos wide receiver Trindon Holliday left with a shoulder
injury while the Chiefs lost tight end Anthony Fasano to a
concussion and left tackle Branden Albert to a knee injury in
Sunday's game between AFC West contenders.
The Broncos also lost wide receiver Demaryius Thomas for several
series in the first half with a shoulder injury. Thomas returned to
the game just before halftime.
Holliday, who also returns punts and kicks for the Broncos, was
hurt in the first half and did not return.
Fasano sustained his concussion when he slammed his head into
the turf in the third quarter, and Albert left after hurting his
knee early in the fourth quarter.
Albert, the Chiefs' franchise left tackle, was replaced in the
lineup by No. 1 overall pick Eric Fisher, who had been starting at
right tackle. He's been dealing with a shoulder injury and was
active for the game, even though he did not start.
Both teams came into the high-profile showdown with a slew of
injuries.
Broncos defensive tackle Kevin Vickerson went on injured reserve
this week after dislocating his right hip in last week's loss to
New England, while defensive end Derek Wolfe was left behind in
Denver after he was hospitalized Friday with seizure-like
symptoms.
It's unknown when Wolfe will be released from the hospital or
when he'll be cleared to resume football. The team said he did not
suffer a stroke or a full-blown seizure.
Denver cornerback Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie jammed his right
shoulder last week against New England, and for a while it appeared
as if he'd be OK to play vs. Kansas City. He was limited in
practice on Thursday and Friday and was listed as questionable for
the game.
Tight end Julius Thomas, who led the Broncos with 10 touchdown
catches, also was inactive after dealing with a knee injury. He was
limited in practice all week and also was questionable.
The Broncos did have Knowshon Moreno, who needed a walking boot
because of an ankle injury early in the week, and cornerback Champ
Bailey, who had missed all but six quarters this season due to a
lingering foot injury. Both of them were in the starting
lineup.
The Chiefs were missing top pass rusher Justin Houston, who
dislocated his right elbow in last week's loss to San Diego.
Swelling prevented him from having an MRI exam until Wednesday, and
team trainer Rick Burkholder said Houston is considered ''week to
week.''
Fellow linebacker Tamba Hali was active despite dealing with a
sprained right ankle.
Right guard Jon Asamoah and Fisher, who missed last week's game
with shoulder injuries, were active. But both of them began the
game on the bench with Geoff Schwartz starting at guard and Donald
Stephenson getting the starting nod at tackle.
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