Kansas City Chiefs' Alex Smith ruled out of San Diego Chargers clash

Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Alex Smith will miss his side's final game of the regular season against the San Diego Chargers due to a lacerated spleen.

Smith sustained the injury during his side's defeat to the Pittsburgh Steelers after taking a hit, but practised earlier this week before the problem was diagnosed.

He told reporters: "It certainly wasn't something that prohibited me athletically, I didn't feel like it was muscular, just discomfort. Nausea coming and going, I knew a bug was going around, I thought maybe it was that. I practised both days, I felt great athletically running around and throwing.

"I had this constant deal going on and then doc urged me to go get the test. I was pretty reluctant yesterday. I said I was alright and they pushed me to get checked out and I got the call that I had the laceration on there and it was enlarged."

Chase Daniel will replace Smith at quarterback in a must-win game for the Chiefs.