Chiefs’ Quarterback Kenney Doubtful for Game Against Jets--Injured Hand

KANSAS CITY, Mo. —  Kansas City Chief quarterback Bill Kenney probably will not play Sunday in the AFC wild-card football game against the New York Jets because of injuries to his passing hand.

Kenney sustained a ligament strain of his right index finger and a bruised thumb in Sunday’s 24-19 victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers, a victory that clinched the Chiefs’ first playoff berth since 1971.

Todd Blackledge will start in place of Kenney, whom Chief Coach John Mackovic said was “very doubtful.”

“Bill is not ruled out, and maybe in two or three days he’ll feel great.” Mackovic said. “It’s very similar to the Denver game.”

Kenney sat out the Dec. 7 game against Denver because of a badly bruised hand from the previous week’s game against Buffalo. The decision to start Blackledge against the Broncos was not made until it became clear Kenney could not throw effectively in warmups before the game.

Blackledge went on to lead the Chiefs to a 37-10 victory over the Broncos, starting a three-game winning streak that put Kansas City in the playoffs. Blackledge also finished the last three series in Sunday’s game against Pittsburgh after Kenney was injured.

The Chiefs and Jets play at 9:30 a.m. PST Sunday at East Rutherford, N.J.