Chiefs getting healthier going down stretch
The Kansas City Chiefs were only missing one player at Wednesday’s practice, something that hasn’t been the case before most games.
On Wednesday, Chiefs head coach Andy Reid gave some good news to the masses in his press conference. Outside of cornerback Phillip Gaines and linebacker Derrick Johnson, the entire team was going to practice this afternoon.
Gaines is sidelined because of a knee problem that has been dogging him all season. The third-year corner tore his ACL in Week 3 last season, and the youngster has never recovered. Johnson tore his Achilles and had surgery on Saturday, but is technically listed on the injury report because he hasn’t been placed on injured reserve yet.
While the loss of Johnson is obviously huge, Kansas City has to be feeling good. The Chiefs have been dealing with a litany of injuries all year, and are finally getting most of their impact players back on the field right in time for the stretch run. Jeremy Maclin and Dontari Poe had to enjoy the extra days off more than most this weekend, getting a chance to recover a touch more.
#Chiefs CB Phillip Gaines only player not practicing. Knee still an ongoing issue. Mini bye week may have done its part regarding rest.
— Matt Derrick (@mattderrick) December 14, 2016
Not practicing today for @Titans: DL Jurrell Casey, DL Karl Klug, LB Sean Spence
— Jim Wyatt (@jwyattsports) December 14, 2016
As for the Tennessee Titans, they had a trio for players miss practice. The big name is nose tackle Jurrell Casey, who is one of the better players in the league. Casey missed last week and if he’s out again, it would be a big blow to Tennessee.