Trent McDuffie matched up with Nico Collins on 30 snaps across their two meetings last season.

Forces fumble in loss

McDuffie recorded seven tackles (four solo) with a forced fumble in Thursday's 31-28 loss to the Cowboys.

Analysis: McDuffie has steadily produced tackles and peripheral defensive stats all season, and his performance in Week 13 was no exception. He finished third on the team with seven tackles, and he nearly caused a key turnover when he forced George Pickens to fumble late in the fourth quarter. McDuffie has at least five tackles in five of his last seven games.

Tallies five tackles vs. Indy

McDuffie logged five solo tackles and a pass defense during the Chiefs' 23-20 overtime win over the Colts on Sunday.

Analysis: McDuffie led the Chiefs with five solo stops while playing every single defensive snap for a third consecutive game (and the eighth time this season). The 2022 first-rounder is up to 55 tackles (40 solo), including 1.0 sacks, and seven pass defenses (one interception) through 11 regular-season games.

Solid outing vs. Denver

McDuffie tallied three solo tackles in Kansas City's loss versus Denver on Sunday.

Analysis: McDuffie had a solid outing but was unable to carry over his momentum from the team's Week 9 loss, where he recorded a season-high 12 tackles (five solo), including 1.0 sacks. The 25-year-old will aim to return to that level of production in the Week 12 matchup versus the Colts.

Huge performance against Buffalo

McDuffie recorded 12 tackles (five solo), including one sack and one tackle for loss in Sunday's 28-21 loss to the Bills.

Analysis: The Chiefs shuffled their secondary alignment in Week 9, with McDuffie logging a season-high 28 snaps from the slot. That led to 35 snaps in a run defense role, which helped McDuffie tally a career-high 12 tackles. It remains to be seen if this usage carries forward, but it would benefit McDuffie's IDP outlook.

Plays every defensive snap

McDuffie recorded five tackles (four solo) and one pass defensed in Friday's 27-21 loss to the Chargers.

Analysis: McDuffie was one of three Chiefs to play all 65 defensive snaps, most of which came at outside corner. He's topped 930 defensive snaps in each of the last two seasons, and he should be one of the team's top playmakers in the secondary in 2025.

Fifth-year option picked up

Kansas City exercised the fifth-year option worth $13.6 million on McDuffie's rookie contract Tuesday, Jordan Schultz of Fox Sports reports.

Analysis: McDuffie will stick around for an additional year in 2026, which comes as no surprise. In his third season with the AFC West powerhouse in 2024, the cornerback compiled 59 total tackles (45 solo), including 0.5 sacks, while also adding a career-high 13 passes defensed, two of which were interceptions, and a forced fumble over 16 regular-season contests.

Starts 16 games for Kansas City

McDuffie finished the 2024 season with 59 tackles (45 solo), including 0.5 sacks, 13 pass breakups, including two interceptions, and one forced fumble across 16 regular-season games.

Analysis: McDuffie has started all 32 regular-season games in which he's appeared over the last two seasons. After being named a first-team All-Pro in 2023, McDuffie was a second-team All-Pro this season and also finished 22nd in Defensive Player of the Year voting. His 13 pass breakups marked a new career high, and the two interception were the first two of his career. McDuffie has become a quality No. 1 cornerback on the outside for Chiefs DC Steve Spagnuolo.

Posts full practice to open week

McDuffie (knee) was a full practice participant Tuesday.

Analysis: McDuffie didn't play in Kansas City's Week 18 game against Denver due to a knee issue, though his absence may have been partly precautionary with the Chiefs resting most of their starters. The third-year cornerback's ability to fully practice Tuesday suggests he'll be able to play in Saturday's AFC divisional-round clash against the Texans. As a result, Nazeeh Johnson will likely return to a rotational role.

Won't play against Denver

McDuffie (knee) is inactive for Sunday's game against the Broncos.

Analysis: McDuffie picked up a knee injury during the Chiefs' Week 17 win over the Steelers, which limited him in practice all week. That limited participation may have also had to do with the fact that Kansas City is locked in as the AFC's No. 1 seed heading into the postseason, and McDuffie's next opportunity won't be until the divisional round. Keith Taylor will likely start at outside corner opposite Josh Williams due to McDuffie's absence.

Unlikely for Week 18

McDuffie (knee) is listed as doubtful ahead of Sunday's matchup against the Broncos.

Analysis: McDuffie appears to have picked up a knee injury in the Chiefs' Week 17 win over the Steelers, as it was the first game all season in which he didn't play 100 percent of the team's defensive snaps, and he was limited in practice throughout the week. However, his expected absence in Week 18 is likely precautionary, as the Chiefs have already secured the AFC's No. 1 seed. Keith Taylor is expected to start opposite Josh Williams as part of Kansas City's top outside cornerback duo if McDuffie is…read more

Six tackles vs. Denver

McDuffie finished Sunday's 14-13 win over the Broncos with six tackles (five solo).

Analysis: McDuffie's six tackles Sunday tied a season high, and the third-year cornerback has played every single defensive snap across the Chiefs' nine regular-season games. For the year, he's up to 34 tackles (22 solo) and five pass defenses.

Active in win

McDuffie finished with six tackles (three solo), including a tackle for a loss, and a pass defensed in the Chiefs' 17-10 win over the Chargers on Sunday.

Analysis: The cornerback also played on every defensive snap for the fourth game in a row and helped limit the Chargers to 224 yards of total offense. McDuffie has 15 tackles (10 solo) and two passes defensed through four games in 2024.

Production boost in second season

McDuffie notched 80 tackles (60 solo), including 3.0 sacks, and forced five fumbles during the 2023 regular season.

Analysis: McDuffie graded out as one of the best all-around cornerbacks in the league in 2023, posting the 19th-best coverage grade among corners and the second-best grade as a pass rusher while also grading out reasonably well in his efforts against the run. McDuffie's efforts opposite L'Jarius Sneed helped the Chiefs to the second-fewest yards per game and fourth-fewest passing yards per game allowed during the 2023 regular season. McDuffie just finished out the second year of his rookie deal in Kansas…read more

Will suit up Week 18

McDuffie (shoulder) is active for Sunday's game against the Chargers.

Analysis: McDuffie was a full participant in practice all week, but given that the Chiefs are locked into the third seed in the AFC, he may not see the field all that much in the regular-season finale. In his second year in the NFL, McDuffie has accumulated 80 tackles (60 solo), including 3.0 sacks, seven passes defended and five forced fumbles over 16 games.

Questionable for Week 18

McDuffie (shoulder) is questionable for Sunday's game against the Chargers.

Analysis: McDuffie has been dealing with a shoulder injury throughout the week, though he's been able to log a trio of full practice sessions. His designation of questionable may be mostly a consequence of the fact that Kansas City has nothing to play for Week 18 with the team locked into the No. 3 seed in the AFC. The Chiefs are expected to rest a number of starters for Sunday's regular-season finale.

Registers six stops Sunday

McDuffie finished Sunday's 25-17 win over Cincinnati with six tackles (five solo).

Analysis: McDuffie's six stops were third-most on Kansas City and tied for his highest mark in the seven games since the team's Week 10 bye. The second-year cornerback is up to 80 tackles (60 solo), including 3.0 sacks, on the campaign. He's added seven defensed passes and five forced fumbles.

Logs sack in loss

McDuffie registered six tackles (three solo), with a sack, and a defended a pass during Kansas City's 20-17 loss to the Bills on Sunday.

Analysis: McDuffie recorded one of the team's three sacks of Josh Allen on Sunday, bringing his total on the season to three. The 2022 first-round pick will look to keep producing during the team's upcoming matchup versus the Patriots.

Double-digit tackles in win

McDuffie recorded 10 tackles (eight solo) and a forced fumble in Sunday's 21-14 win over Miami.

Analysis: With less than a minute left to play in the first half, McDuffie totally blew up a bubble screen to Tyreek Hill, ripping the ball out of his hands to force a fumble for the fourth time this season. The 10 tackles were a season high. If he can maintain his current level of production, he could soon put himself on the radar as a rare IDP-relevant cornerback.

Strong Week 1 showing

McDuffie notched eight tackles (six solo) and one forced fumble during Thursday's 21-20 loss to the Lions.

Analysis: McDuffie forced a red-zone fumble out of Marvin Jones in the second quarter, highlighting a defensive performance during which he also posted solid tackle numbers. The 2022 first-round pick could be worth monitoring in IDP formats in the event that he can maintain increased production to begin his sophomore season.

Back for training camp

McDuffie is active and participating in Chiefs training camp, Pete Sweeney of ArrowheadPride.com reports.

Analysis: McDuffie was held out of mandatory minicamp while dealing with stress on his fibula. He played in 11 games last season for the Chiefs and recorded 44 tackles, one sack and a forced fumble. He figures to start at corner opposite L'Jarius Sneed.

Sidelined by injury

McDuffie is dealing with stress on his fibula according to head coach Andy Reid, Matt McMullen of the Chiefs' official site reports.

Analysis: Per Pete Sweeney of arrowheadpride.com, McDuffie watched the team's recent minicamp from the sideline, though Reid noted that the cornerback should be okay. McDuffie played a significant role during his rookie campaign when healthy. The 22-year-old missed six games with a hamstring injury but still managed to record 44 tackles, seven passes defended, a sack, and a forced fumble.

Plays sizable role as rookie

McDuffie notched 44 tackles (28 solo), a sack and a forced fumble in his 11 regular-season appearances with the Chiefs as a rookie in 2022.

Analysis: McDuffie spent part of the season on injured reserve while managing a hamstring injury, accounting for his six missed games. The rookie still racked up some impressive counting stats when healthy and should enter 2023 with a starting spot in tow.

Notches strip-sack in tight win

McDuffie recorded seven tackles (four solo), including one sack with a forced fumble, during Sunday's 27-24 victory versus the Broncos.

Analysis: McDuffie posted the first sack of his career at a key time for the Chiefs, as he forced a fumble while hitting Broncos quarterback Russell Wilson from behind on a slot blitz late in the second quarter. This set up the Chiefs' offense to quickly move down into field-goal range, though this 51-yard attempt was ultimately blocked. This game also matched McDuffie's career high for tackles in a game, and he now has 37 over 10 games this season.

Activated from injured reserve

Kansas City activated McDuffie from injured reserve Tuesday.

Analysis: McDuffie suffered a hamstring injury during the season opener and was placed on IR. He was designated to return Oct. 12 but remained off the active roster while continuing his rehab. It's unclear if he'll suit up for Week 9, but when available, the rookie first-round pick is expected to play a sizable role in Kansas City's secondary.

Unlikely to be activated for Week 6

Chiefs head coach Andy Reid said Friday that the team is leaning toward sitting McDuffie (hamstring) for one more week before activating him from IR, Adam Teicher of ESPN.com reports.

Analysis: McDuffie was designated to return from IR on Wednesday, but it looks like he'll remain sidelined for at least one more contest while he works his way back from a hamstring issue. The rookie first-round pick garnered a major role in his NFL debut before suffering the injury that landed him on IR, so when he's back to full strength, he figures to be a key piece of Kansas City's secondary.

Designated to return from IR

McDuffie (hamstring) has been designated to return from IR and will practice Wednesday, Herbie Teope of The Kansas City Star reports.

Analysis: McDuffie landed on injured reserve after suffering a hamstring injury during the season opener and was sidelined for the minimum four games. His return to practice will start a 21-day window for him to be added to the active roster, but if he isn't, he'll revert back to IR for the remainder of the campaign.

Lands on IR

The Chiefs placed McDuffie (hamstring) on injured reserve Tuesday.

Analysis: McDuffie will be forced to miss at least four games after landing on injured reserve. The rookie played 32 defenisve snaps during his NFL debut, so in his absence, Jaylen Watson, Joshua Williams and Chris Lammons will all be candidates for increased roles in the Chiefs secondary.

Unlikely to play Thursday

The Chiefs said McDuffie (hamstring) will "struggle" to clear his injury ahead of Thursday's contest against the Chargers, Pete Sweeney of ArrowheadPride.com reports.

Analysis: McDuffie sustained the injury in the third quarter of Sunday's win over the Cardinals and had to be helped to the medical tent before being carted to the locker room. With the short week, it's making it extremely difficult for McDuffie to be cleared to play. If he is indeed sidelined, expect Rashad Fenton and Joshua Williams to handle increased roles in the secondary.

Managing hamstring injury

McDuffie suffered a left hamstring injury during Sunday's win over Arizona, Nate Taylor of The Athletic reports.

Analysis: McDuffie sustained his injury in the third quarter of Sunday's matchup and had to be helped to the medical tent before being carted to the locker room. The Chiefs have a short week ahead of Thursday's matchup against the Chargers, and Rashad Fenton and Joshua Williams will likely handle increased roles if McDuffie is unavailable.

Back from injury

McDuffie (head) was not listed on the Chiefs' injury report Wednesday.

Analysis: McDuffie entered concussion protocols after suffering a head injury during Kansas City's preseason finale Aug. 25. The rookie first-round pick should now be ready to step into a prominent role as a likely starter for the Chiefs heading into the 2022 season.