The Kansas City Chiefs are just chock full of news on Monday morning. Head coach Andy Reid first broke the story that Eric Fisher and Donald Stephenson are switching sides. Then, minutes later, Reid said that nose tackle Dontari Poe will be practicing this week on a limited basis and could play against the Houston Texans, according to Terez Paylor of the Kansas City Star.
Reid said Dontari Poe will start practice and will be on limited works. Practiced yesterday and did well and has a chance to play vs. Hou
— RIP Terez A. Paylor (@TerezPaylor) September 7, 2015
Poe getting some work in on Sunday is incredible news. When the news broke in late July that Poe had back surgery, almost everybody assumed that the Chiefs would not be seeing Poe until October at the earliest. Instead, it appears the big man might not miss a second of real playing time.
When general manager John Dorsey cut the roster down to 53 players, he did not move Poe to the Physically Unable to Perform List, letting us know Kansas City expected Poe back somewhere in the first six weeks. With Poe already practicing – albeit on a limited basis – it would be surprising if he is not at least back by Week 2 to play the Denver Broncos.
If Poe can’t play, look for Jaye Howard to start at nose tackle with Allen Bailey and Mike DeVito flanking him. DeVito can also play a little bit of 1-technique if he has to, although he’s much more equipped to be an end.
At this point, Poe coming back would be just another weapon on a defense that some believe is the best in the National Football League. Poe has been to the Pro Bowl each of the last two seasons, including an All-Pro designation in 2013.