The Kansas City Chiefs lose their tight end to a serious leg injury in Week 8 against the Raiders

The Kansas City Chiefs made the decision this season to bring back a number of familiar faces, particularly on the offensive side, to strengthen some positions for a tough, long season as they look to win their third straight Super Bowl. Unfortunately, one of those players suffered a serious leg injury in the win over the Las Vegas Raiders.

The Chiefs watched tight end Jody Fortson go down with a concerning leg injury late in the game as the Raiders tried one last onside kick to get the ball and one last possession to try and to tie the Chiefs.

After the game, head coach Andy Reid spoke to the media and said that Fortson had a right knee injury and that he would undergo further testing after receiving treatment from the Chiefs' training staff following the game. Further details are expected to be announced on Monday.

Fortson returned to the Chiefs in September after a stint with the Miami Dolphins didn't last as long as expected. The Fins signed Fortson in free agency last spring, but ultimately released him a week before pending active roster cuts when it was clear he wouldn't make the team. From there, the Chiefs brought him back after deciding not to keep Irv Smith as a TE4.

However, Fortson has been a rarely used offensive player, appearing in just three games for the Chiefs so far this season (including Week 8). On Sunday against the Raiders, he missed a single target and previously caught just one pass – for just five yards.

Still, Fortson has been a fan favorite as a potential red zone weapon in recent years, always having a difficult time staying healthy for the franchise. As a former undrafted free agent out of Valdosta State, it was easy for fans to root for Fortson as an underdog who was beloved by the coaching staff. Unfortunately, despite his clear potential, he was never able to put it all together in the regular season.

Fortson, who first arrived in Kansas City before the 2019 season, has 15 catches for 160 yards and 4 scores in his six-year NFL career.