The Kansas City Chiefs are getting a couple of key contributors back on defense as they begin the second half of their season. The team's final injury report is out in anticipation of hosting the Denver Broncos for their AFC West showdown scheduled for Week 10 and they'll be getting reinforcements both up front and in the backfield on defense.

The Chiefs have been without defensive end Mike Danna and cornerback Nazeeh Johnson for the last couple of weeks—three in the case of Danna—but both players have been full participants in practice and should return without issue to face the Broncos offense under new quarterback Bo Nix.

The return of Danna is the bigger addition of the two given his role as a reliable starter outside who has been key to the team's run defense over time. Danna also set a career high in sacks last season with 6.5 in his fourth season.

So far this year, unfortunately, Danna has endured multiple injuries that have limited his productivity or kept him off the field entirely, the latest being a pectoral muscle injury that kept him out since Week 6. Danna returned to the Chiefs this offseason on a multi-year deal in free agency.

Johnson could also step into a starting role this weekend if the team likes his skill set on the boundary enough over the potential of Joshua Williams. The Chiefs have been waiting for someone to step up in the wake of Jaylen Watson's ankle fracture, but so far no one has been able to convince the coaches that he is the answer. Williams has been plagued by penalties and inconsistent play while Johnson has been sidelined with a concussion.

As for other injuries, the Chiefs will still be missing wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster on Sunday with a hamstring injury. Meanwhile interior lineman Turk Wharton might be a gametime call with a knee contusion that's kept him from practicing this week.

The Broncos and Chiefs are scheduled to take the field at 12:00 p.m. C.T. on Sunday, November 10.

Chiefs Inactives

The Kansas City Chiefs have released their list of inactive players for Sunday’s Week 10 game against the Denver Broncos.

As expected, wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster (hamstring) will not play on Sunday. Neither will offensive linemen Ethan Hanson and C.J. Hanson, running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire, defensive end Cameron Thomas and defensive tackle Marlon Tuipulotu. But defensive tackle Tershawn Wharton (knee) will be available to play.

Smith-Schuster was declared out in Friday’s final injury report after being held out of practice all week. Wharton was held out on Wednesday and Thursday before being upgraded to a limited participant in Friday’s practice. He was listed as questionable for the game. The rest of the inactive players should be considered healthy scratches.

Defensive end Mike Danna and cornerback Nazeeh Johnson are both active for the game. Danna has missed the last three games with a pectoral injury, while Johnson missed the Week 9 matchup while in the league’s concussion protocol.

Before Tuesday’s trade deadline, the Chiefs released veteran linebacker Cole Christensen. This allowed the team to sign him to its practice squad without having to pass him through waivers, which is required for all veterans released after the trading deadline.

Christiansen has been elevated to the roster for Sunday’s game, along with wide receiver Justyn Ross. As elevated players, they will automatically be returned to the team’s practice squad after the game. Both are active for the contest.

Broncos Inactives

The Broncos have also released their list of inactives. As we anticipated, linebacker Drew Sanders (achilles) will not dress in Kansas City. But center Luke Wattenberg (ankle) will be available to play.

Sanders was declared out in Denver’s Friday injury report, while Wattenberg was listed as questionable. Both were practicing with the team during their 21-day windows to return from the Reserve/Injured list. On Saturday, Denver activated Wattenberg to the roster, making him available to play on Sunday.

The Broncos have elevated running back Michael Burton and linebacker Zac Cunningham for the matchup. Both will dress in Kansas City.

Key Returns for the Chiefs

The return of Danna is a huge boost for the Chiefs' defense. His presence will help solidify the Chiefs’ run defense and provide another pass rusher. Johnson's return adds depth to a secondary that has been depleted by injuries. With both players healthy, the Chiefs will be able to field a more complete defense against the Broncos, which has shown flashes of potential offensively.

Chiefs Looking to Stay Undefeated

The Chiefs are looking to stay undefeated and keep their spot atop the AFC West. This matchup against the Broncos could be a challenge. The Broncos are playing with a new quarterback, but they are still a team with a lot of talent on both sides of the ball. It's a game that the Chiefs will need to take seriously, and it's one that the Broncos will be looking to make a statement in. With the return of key defensive players and the potential return of Wharton, the Chiefs will be looking to dominate the Broncos and stay undefeated.