Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Alex Smith has a lacerated spleen and will miss Sunday’s game against the San Diego Chargers.

Trainer Rick Burkholder confirmed the news to reporters on Friday.

Smith took a hard hit to his abdomen in last Sunday’s 20-12 loss against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Smith said he noticed discomfort after the game but didn’t think he had a serious injury. He practiced fully on Tuesday and Wednesday this week.

Smith will not need surgery, although his injury will require a six-week timetable.

The Chiefs will need to win against the Chargers and have the Baltimore Ravens and Houston Texans lose in order to clinch a spot in the postseason. The Chargers can clinch a playoff berth with a victory.

Smith signed a five-year, $76 million contract before the start of the season. In 15 games, Smith passed for 3,265 yards with 18 touchdowns and six interceptions.

Chase Daniel will start in Smith’s place. Daniel has one career start, which came last season in Week 17 and also was against the Chargers. Daniels played well in the overtime loss, completing 21 of his 30 pass attempts for 200 yards and a touchdown.