Report: Tyrann Mathieu “expected to play” vs. Dolphins

Kansas City Chiefs safety Tyrann Mathieu is “expected to play” against the Miami Dolphins despite his questionable status, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.

The Chiefs surprised fans with quite a scare Friday when they listed Mathieu as questionable headed into the team’s game against the Dolphins on Sunday. Mathieu popped up on the injury report as limited for Friday practice due to a hip injury.

Mathieu’s importance in the Chiefs’ lineup has grown in recent weeks thanks to the emergence of defensive back L’Jarius Sneed.

Sneed’s move inside to the nickel position has allowed defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo to use Mathieu as even more of a chess piece, as described here. Mathieu has three interceptions in the last two games.

In 12 starts this season, Mathieu has 57 tackles, seven passes defensed and five interceptions. He has yet to miss a game in his Chiefs’ tenure.

In the case Mathieu cannot play, the Chiefs do have some options.