Kristian

Fulton

The offensive linemen were ruled out earlier in the week, something that could expose quarterback Patrick Mahomes to unwanted pressure against a Commanders defense blitzing at the fifth highest frequency this season. Fulton remains sidelined while Mitchell continues to be the odd man out in the backfield.

Simmons was the only player listed on the Chiefs’ final injury report this week and he was ruled out on Friday, so there’s nothing surprising here. Pat Mahomes and company are operating at near full strength against a Raiders team that will be out two of its top pass-catchers in Jakobi Meyers and Brock Bowers.

Fulton came into the weekend listed as questionable with an ankle injury that has caused the veteran corner to miss the previous three games. He was unable to do enough to return to the field in Week 6 against the Lions. Wide receiver Xavier Worthy is active and will play.

He was initially doubtful to return, which makes it sound like he may be sidelined for more than just a week or two. Fulton played just two snaps before leaving. Nohl Williams has taken over as the main cornerback depth for Kansas City while Jaden Hicks has seen the majority of the playing time as a big nickel.

Brown should operate as the Chiefs’ No. 3 pass catcher in what could be a fantasy-friendly passing environment. He can only be started as a boom/bust FLEX option, given Xavier Worthy and Travis Kelce’s potential target shares. Chiefs OT Jawaan Taylor (knee), LB Drue Tranquill (back) and Kristian Fulton (knee) are likewise good to go.

Fulton spent a little over two weeks on the active/physically unable to perform list this summer. He’s been practicing with the team since August 7th, though. Fulton notched five pass breakups and one interception, playing for the Chargers last year. He should be available for his new team’s bout with the Bolts on Friday night. Chiefs OT Jawaan Taylor (knee) is practicing in full this week.

Shortly after the Chiefs drafted OT Josh Simmons in the first round on April 24th, GM Brett Veach told reporters Taylor “is doing a good job now with rehab from his knee, but he has to stay healthy.” He continues to rehab the injury. Fulton is also dealing with a knee injury, though no specifics on it have been shared. Reid told reporters that Taylor “is probably closer” to participating in training camp that Fulton is.

The deal includes $15 million guaranteed. Fulton, entering his age-27 season, stays in the AFC West after one year with Los Angeles. Fulton had seven passes defended and zero interceptions over 15 games with the Chargers last season. In Kansas City, he will join an elite secondary graded by Pro Football Focus as 2024’s fifth-best coverage unit. It was a successful rebound season for Fulton in Los Angeles, and he made the most of it on the market.

Fulton was forced to take a prove-it deal with the Chargers after another disappointing year in Tennessee. The former second-round pick struggled throughout his rookie contract. Pro Football Focus gave him a coverage grade over 60 just once in four years. Fulton also missed time in every season, topping out at 13 games. He most recently ended the 2023 on injured reserve because of a hamstring issue. Even after another quiet season, Fulton could end up starting for the Chargers if they don’t make any significant additions to their secondary via the draft.

Fulton told reporters that the news came as a surprise to him, and it will likely end his playing career in Tennessee with his contract up at the end of the season. Fulton started 11 of the 12 games he played in 2023, totaling 46 tackles, five passes defended, and two tackles for a loss. Without Fulton, the Titans will continue to use second-year player Tre Avery at cornerback alongside Sean Murphy-Bunting and Roger McCreary. The team also put defensive tackle Kyle Peko on the injured reserve and signed defensive linemen Quinton Bohanna and Keondre Coburn off the practice squads of the Detroit Lions and Kansas City Chiefs, respectively.