Alex Smith out for Chiefs’ finale
Chiefs quarterback Alex Smith will miss Sunday’s regular-season finale against the Chargers because of a lacerated spleen.
Backup QB Chase Daniel will start for Kansas City, which needs a victory and losses by the Ravens and Texans to claim a playoff berth.
Smith suffered the injury in the third quarter of last weekend’s game at Pittsburgh, but the symptoms didn’t manifest themselves until after he practiced on Tuesday and Wednesday.
“I didn’t notice anything,” Smith said of any pain immediately after the game. “It wasn’t until after I showered and got dressed and the adrenaline was out of me, I noticed some discomfort in my stomach area … pressure, cramping …
“I thought it was something I ate. I didn’t necessarily relate it to a hit. But definite discomfort. I saw the doctor, he told me some things to keep an eye out for. I even took some antacids. I didn’t know what to make of it.”
Chiefs trainer Rick Burkholder said the normal recovery period for Smith’s injury is about six weeks, depending on the individual. Smith likely would miss most, if not all, of the postseason if the Chiefs qualified for the playoffs. Setback for Stanton? Cardinals coach Bruce Arians said he expects quarterback Drew Stanton to be ready for the playoffs even though Stanton on Wednesday had an arthroscopic procedure on his knee, which was also treated with antibiotics.
Stanton won’t play Sunday, the third game he will miss because of his knee injury.
Arians wouldn’t talk about the infection, but said Stanton remains “on schedule for next week.” NFL fines: Seahawks running back Marshawn Lynch has been fined $11,050 by the NFL for an inappropriate gesture while scoring against the Cardinals on Sunday. Lynch appeared to grab at his groin as he leaped into the end zone to cap a 79-yard touchdown run. Detroit’s Ziggy Ansah was fined $22,050 for an illegal hit to the head of Bears QB Jimmy Clausen. Briefly: With Brian Hoyer and Johnny Manziel injured, rookie quarterback Connor Shaw will come off the practice squad to start the Browns’ finale Sunday against the Ravens. ... The Saints put running back Pierre Thomas (ribs) and defensive lineman Akiem Hicks (ankle) on injured reserve. ... Bears center Roberto Garza agreed to a oneyear contract extension.