KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- The Chiefs' offensive line woes worsened after the initial snap Sunday night against the Houston Texans as left tackle Wanya Morris exited and was later ruled out because of a left knee injury.
Cornerback Trent McDuffie also suffered a knee injury in the first quarter, and he was also ruled out as Houston earned a 20-10 victory at Arrowhead Stadium. Chiefs coach Andy Reid said McDuffie hyperextended his left knee.
Morris, starting in place of the injured Josh Simmons, suffered the injury when he appeared to be rolled up on by center Creed Humphrey while run blocking.
Within minutes of having to be assisted off the field, Morris was taken to the locker room on a cart. Reid didn't have any further updates on Morris after the game, but he was seen leaving the locker room on crutches.
Morris was replaced by undrafted rookie Esa Pole, who made his NFL debut after being elevated to the active roster this past week.
"I mean, you just got next man up," said Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes, who finished with just 160 yards passing and three interceptions. "Obviously, not where you want to be, but Esa played his tail off, for a guy that had to get activated and be on the roster and go against one of the best pass rushes in the league. He gave me time to throw the ball downfield in some big situations."
The Chiefs began the game with three backup linemen protecting Mahomes -- tackles Jaylon Moore, guard Mike Caliendo and Morris.
Simmons, the team's first-round pick this year, was placed on injured reserve last week and will miss at least four games. He had surgery last week to repair a dislocated and fractured left wrist, which he suffered in the team's Thanksgiving Day loss to the Dallas Cowboys.
Right tackle Jawaan Taylor missed Sunday's game because of a left triceps injury, which also occurred against the Cowboys.
Pro Bowl right guard Trey Smith has missed two consecutive games because of a sprained right ankle, an injury he suffered in the win against the Indianapolis Colts.
McDuffie injured his left knee while covering Texans star Nico Collins on a 46-yard reception in the first quarter and was ruled out shortly after halftime. McDuffie hasn't missed a game this season.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.