Derrick Johnson, Charcandrick West miss Chiefs practice again

For the second straight day, the Kansas City Chiefs practiced at training camp without linebacker Derrick Johnson and running back Charcandrick West.

The Kansas City Chiefs are staying fairly healthy for the most part so far in training camp. While some teams have already lost their first round picks for the season or watched veterans go down, the Chiefs seem in good shape, although Tuesday’s practice saw a few players sit for the second consecutive day—not a good sign for some players.

Linebacker Derrick Johnson is the biggest name to miss practice, but he’s been out with a tooth problem (yep, of all things). He should be fine. Running back Charcandrick West has been out with an ankle injury, and it’s no secret that the bottom of every segment of the depth chart is competitive. That means that West’s competition is getting prime looks and reps in training camp for those coveted spots at running back. It’s a group that includes C.J. Spiller, Devine Redding and Trey Millard.

Defensive backs Jordan Sterns and Kenneth Acker have also missed time the last couple days. Sterns is facing an illness of some kind, while Acker has a groin injury. Though Sterns is a rookie free agent and Acker a veteran, both players are facing a bit of an uphill climb to make the final roster just because of the sheer level of competition in quantity and quality. The Chiefs have a few head-turning free agents in addition to recent draftees like D.J. White and Leon McQuay on a team that already has several secondary spots already locked down.

Here’s hoping West and the rest can make it back soon to make sure they can state their best case for making the final roster.