NFL News: Kansas City Chiefs Will Start Nick Foles Over Injured Alex Smith

The Kansas City Chiefs have announced that backup quarterback Nick Foles will start on Sunday.

Alex Smith is unable to play because of head pain that was suffered in last week’s victory over the Indianapolis Colts. Smith originally left the game, passed concussion protocol testing, and then re-entered. However, he suffered another big hit later in the game and did not return. Chiefs management has stressed that Smith did not suffer a concussion, but they want to play it safe by having him inactive for this match.

"This was a decision we came to together," Smith said. Smith appeared to be content with the decision as did Head Coach Andy Reid.

Fortunately for the Chiefs, they are playing a 2-5 Jacksonville Jaguars squad this weekend, and that game will in fact be at Arrowhead Stadium where the Chiefs are an unblemished 3-0. The Chiefs are in the middle of a huge divisional race with their AFC West rivals Denver Broncos and Oakland Raiders. The Chiefs are 2-0 thus far against AFC West opponents with wins over the Raiders and Chargers. Even without Smith, this is a must win game given the circumstances.

In last week’s game Foles played very well completing 16 of 22 passes with two touchdowns and zero interceptions and a 135.2 passer rating. As long as Foles can manage the game, the Chiefs should be fine. In addition, Reid has done a very good job throughout his career handling injuries. Numerous times Donovan McNabb was hurt, and he willed the Philadelphia Eagles to a victory.

Interestingly, the Broncos and Raiders will be playing each other this week.