KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) – Chiefs quarterback Alex Smith will miss Sunday’s game against the San Diego Chargers because of a lacerated spleen, he said Friday.
Chase Daniel will start in his place with both teams seeking a playoff spot.
Smith was likely hurt on a hit early in the third quarter of last weekend’s 20-12 road loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers, but he didn’t feel any pain at the time. He wasn’t diagnosed until undergoing a scan Thursday after several days of what felt more like a stomachache than a serious injury.
The quarterback will not need surgery and is expected to fully recover, but Smith would miss a potential playoff game.
If the Chargers beat Kansas City, they clinch a postseason berth. The Chiefs would need to win and have Baltimore and Houston lose to make the playoffs.