Chiefs Lineup: Sneed Out, Thomas Active for Denver

Kansas City fans get their first look at a revamped secondary when the Chiefs host the Denver Broncos at Arrowhead Stadium on Sunday. The team's roster moves confirm that veteran cornerback L'Jarius Sneed will not play, leaving a gap in the backfield that the coaching staff must fill immediately.

Rookie defensive end R Mason Thomas is active for the game. He skipped practice on Friday for personal reasons but cleared the final injury report to join the starting lineup. His availability gives the defense a key pass rusher against a Denver offense that has been productive this season.

The absence of Sneed forces two players into the starting role. Rookie Jadon Canady and veteran Melvin Smith will take over coverage duties. Smith was signed from the practice squad on Saturday to occupy Sneed's roster spot. Smith has played in the league previously and provides depth for a group that has struggled with consistency lately.

Cornerback Mansoor Delane is also out for the game. He was downgraded from questionable to out on Saturday. Delane left the season opener against Denver with a shoulder injury and has not played since. His departure leaves the Chiefs without two of their primary defenders against the pass.

The Broncos have their own injury news. Wide receiver Jaylen Waddle, left tackle Garrett Bolles, defensive end Zach Allen, and safety Brandon Jones are all active. They were listed as questionable on the final report but cleared to play. Running back RJ Harvey and safety Talanoa Hufanga are out for Denver after being placed on injured reserve on Saturday.

Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes will start against the Broncos. If he is unavailable, Garrett Nussmeier is listed as the emergency third quarterback. Wide receiver Rashee Rice returns to the active list after missing two games with a hamstring injury. He recorded 13 receptions for 190 yards and one touchdown before his injury in Week 4.

The winner of Sunday's game will take sole possession of first place in the AFC West. Kansas City enters the contest with a 5-1 record. Denver is 5-2. The Chiefs aim to complete a season series sweep against their divisional rivals.