Kansas City Chiefs QB Alex Smith will not play due to Lacerated Spleen
In the final game of the regular season, the Kansas City Chiefs will have to start Chase Daniel instead of Alex Smith, who is out due to a lacerated spleen.
According to the team trainer, Rick Burkholder, Smith suffered the injury when he was hit in the abdomen area during the third quarter of last week's game against the Pittsburgh Steelers. The injury was not immediately obvious. Smith stated that although he felt discomfort in that area, he did not think it would be a serious problem and went to practice on Tuesday and Wednesday.
"It wasn't until after I dressed and adrenaline wore off that I noticed anything. I didn't relate it to a hit," Smith said according to NBCSports' Pro Football Talk.
Burkholder stated that Smith will not need surgery but will need at least six weeks to heal.
Daniel only has one career start, which was against the San Diego Chargers during week 17 of last season. Despite losing the game 27-24 in overtime, Daniel played well. He completed 21 of 30 pass attempts for 200 yards.
The Chiefs will be taking on the Chargers. The Chiefs can make it to the postseason if they win and the Baltimore Ravens and Houston Texans lose. If the Chargers win, they will make it to the playoffs.
