The Kansas City Chiefs could be thin (once again) at wideout in Week 8, but the St. Louis Rams may have a bare-bones secondary.
Obviously, Eric Berry is the wild card that everybody is keeping tabs on. If he suits up, judging by Andy Reid’s outlook, he’ll likely start.
Reid, when asked if Eric Berry will start IF he plays: “You count on that, yeah.”
— RIP Terez A. Paylor (@TerezPaylor) October 24, 2014
If Junior Hemingway can’t go, the Chiefs will be without two of their top three receivers, but Kansas City still has A.J. Jenkins, Frankie Hammond, Albert Wilson and ankle-breaking assassin De’Anthony Thomas (who’s now officially listed as a receiver) on its depth chart.
The Rams find themselves in more of a bind.
Cornerback Janoris Jenkins is questionable, but according to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch’s Jim Thomas, the starter’s knee looks like it might sideline him.
Janoris Jenkins (knee) does not practice for third day in a row w/knee injury. He will be listed as questionable, but doesn't look promising
— Jim Thomas (@jthom1) October 24, 2014
Backup corner Brandon McGee has officially been ruled out, and corner Trumaine Johnson is also questionable.
If the above three are rendered inactive, that would leave the Rams’ current roster with only two cornerbacks, E.J. Gaines and Marcus Roberson—both of them are rookies.
Due to his stint at Mizzou, most locals are familiar with Gaines. His draft stock dipped because of injury, but as Pro Football Focus’ (subscription required) No. 11 corner, he’s playing like a man with something to prove.
Roberson, on the other hand, has only participated in 15 snaps this season.
Don’t expect Alex Smith’s hot streak to fizzle out anytime soon.
Kansas City Chiefs
Probable: Justin Houston (ankle), Travis Kelce (ribs), Sean Smith (groin), Cyrus Gray (hand)
Questionable: Eric Berry (ankle), Junior Hemingway (hamstring)
Out: Donnie Avery (groin), Chris Owens (knee)
St. Louis Rams
Probable: Kenny Britt (ankle), Benny Cunningham (knee), Jo-Lonn Dunbar (toe), William Hayes (illness), T.J. McDonald (concussion), Rodger Saffold (knee), Ethan Westbrooks (hand)
Questionable: Janoris Jenkins (knee), Trumaine Johnson (knee)
Out: Tim Barnes (shoulder), Brandon McGee (foot)