Chiefs injury updates: Travis Kelce, Derrick Johnson return on time
By Matt Conner
Derrick Johnson and Travis Kelce were both predicted to be ready for training camp. So far, so good as both players seem right on time with their rehab schedule.
The Kansas City Chiefs could use some good news heading into training camp after a distracting offseason marked by player frustration, surprising player releases, a fired general manager and more. Fortunately, surgeries and subsequent recoveries are all on time for two of the Chiefs most important players: linebacker Derrick Johnson and tight end Travis Kelce.
Some positive Chiefs news for you guys: DJ and Kelce practiced today and were running around. No pads, but still.
— RIP Terez A. Paylor (@TerezPaylor) July 25, 2017
Johnson is attempting to return from a torn Achilles suffered late last season. Johnson has said all along that he would ready to go for training camp and, as you can see from the above video, Johnson is back in practice once again—just as he said.
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Earlier this offseason, John Dorsey, then general manager, told the media that he was confident that Travis Kelce would be back to 100 percent by training camp. Kelce proved him right by showing up to practice at the beginning of Chiefs training camp, even as others are still nursing injuries or returning to form from offseason surgery.
Both players are vital heading into the 2017 regular season. The Chiefs defensive unit has elite potential, but the run defense has to be better and the Chiefs failed to provide any real support behind DJ in case he’s unable to go. Fifth round choice Ukeme Eligwe is a raw prospect likely headed for the practice squad.
Kelce enjoyed a breakout year in 2016 and should receive even more targets and attention in the offense with Jeremy Maclin released. Tyreek Hill and Kelce are the most accomplished receivers by far and Kelce has a real shot at emerging as the best tight end in the NFL on this side of Rob Gronkowski, especially if he’s able to get more red zone targets. Kelce had been recovering from offseason shoulder surgery.