The Saints and Kansas City Chiefs both had several starters inactive. With Bush missing his third game with a knee injury, he was joined by fullback Mike Karney and center Jonathan Goodwin, who also had problems with knees.

The Chiefs had five starters out, four on defense, as they prepared for the Saints' top-ranked offense. Out were cornerback Brandon Flowers, linebackers Pat Thomas and Derrick Johnson and defensive end Tamba Hali. Also out were nickle back Patrick Surtain and guard Adrian Jones.