The Kansas City Chiefs are finally getting healthier at the right time. Just days before a primetime clash with the Baltimore Ravens, Kansas City reached full participation in practice for the first time this season.

For a roster that’s battled nagging injuries since training camp, the timing could hardly be better. Yet even as health improves, the focus in Kansas City isn’t only on bodies—it’s on accountability.

Head coach Andy Reid confirmed on Wednesday that all players would be on the practice field.

“Don’t have any injuries for you. Everybody’s going to practice today, so that’s a positive,” Reid said.

That includes wide receiver Xavier Worthy, offensive lineman Jawaan Taylor, and quarterback Patrick Mahomes, all of whom were on the injury radar last week. While their full strength for Sunday remains uncertain, the clean report is a boost against a physical Ravens defense.

But Mahomes isn’t hiding behind health updates.

Speaking to reporters, the two-time MVP put the spotlight squarely on himself. “I’ve kind of put it on myself to give guys chances down the field,” he said.

He admitted the offense hasn’t played with the efficiency Kansas City demands.

But he stressed his responsibility to change that. “I told guys to hold me accountable. I wanted to hold myself accountable for giving the guys the chances to make plays, and they’re proving that they can make them.”

The Chiefs have shown moments of explosiveness but have struggled for consistency, and with Mahomes demanding more from himself and his teammates, the upcoming matchup against Baltimore could be a turning point. With health trending upward and urgency mounting, execution will be key, especially against one of the league’s most disruptive defenses.

Andy Reid defends Jawaan Taylor as Chiefs push through offensive line struggles

September has been about survival; October may reveal whether KC’s roster is ready to mount another deep playoff run.

Beyond health and Mahomes’ leadership, another issue hangs over Kansas City: the offensive line, and in particular, right tackle Jawaan Taylor. Penalties and inconsistency are once again the story, yet head coach Andy Reid isn’t sounding alarms.

“When he doesn’t have the penalties, his percentage has been good,” Reid said.

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Still, the numbers tell a harsher truth. Taylor topped the league with 20 penalties in 2023, contributed 16 additional last year, and currently resides tied for the NFL lead with six flags in only three games.

Advanced analytics don’t fully support Reid’s claim, either. Pro Football Focus ranks Taylor 51st out of 101 tackles in pass-blocking grade, though his pass-blocking efficiency does stand at a solid 13th among qualified players. Yet the HC maintains a more diplomatic stance.

Sure, offensive coordinator Matt Naggy has been pretty blunt. But it doesn’t help when Coach Reid is openly praising the O-line. Even calling Week 3’s effort against the New York Giants one of their best. PFF places the Chiefs’ line in the middle of the pack in pass protection and near the bottom in run blocking. ESPN ranks them even lower in win-rate categories.

Quarterback Patrick Mahomes, however, stood firmly behind his linemen. “I’m just excited for where this offense is going,” he said. Mahomes sees progress and believes efficiency will improve as the season unfolds. 

For the Chiefs, health is improving, and Mahomes is demanding more. But until the offensive line finds steadiness, questions will linger about whether this team can look like a true Super Bowl contender.