The Kansas City Chiefs gave some very encouraging news on Monday morning. When head coach Andy Reid spoke to the media, he reported that nose tackle Dontari Poe is doing great in his rehab from back surgery and could be playing in Week 1 against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium.
"He's doing great. He's making big strides," #Chiefs Andy Reid on Dontari Poe. He said Poe wants to play in first game, but "we'll see."
— Chiefs Reporter (@ChiefsReporter) August 24, 2015
Reid said it's up to the doctors, but joked that Poe told him he's playing in the first game. He has not had any setbacks to this point.
— Pete Sweeney (@pgsween) August 24, 2015
Reid said Dontari Poe has made big strides. "At least on schedule, if not a little bit ahead."
— Pete Sweeney (@pgsween) August 24, 2015
If Poe could be in business to start the regular season, that would be a huge boost to the Chiefs. We already know that Kansas City will be without cornerback Sean Smith for the first three games, so not missing two of the better defensive players in the league would be a treat.
Poe is arguably the best nose tackle in the league, so adding him back to a group of Jaye Howard, Mike DeVito, Allen Bailey and Mike Catapano would be a beautiful thing. If Poe does return to the lineup against Houston, Howard is likely the man who has to swallow the pill of less playing time. Bailey is not coming off the field, and DeVito is a veteran who has a great reputation against the run.
Ultimately, defensive coordinator Bob Sutton will likely try to rotate Poe mire this season, giving Howard a chance to make an impact. Regardless, the Chiefs have an embarrassment of riches on the defensive line, giving them a terrific advantage.