Laurent Duvernay-Tardif looks closer to return for Chiefs

Laurent Duvernay-Tardif just completed his first full practice ever since he was injured, which means the right guard could return to his post soon.

The Kansas City Chiefs were a bit like the walking wounded there for a minute. Instead of starting Parker Ehinger, Mitch Morse and Laurent Duvernay-Tardif across the offensive interior, names like Zach Fulton, Bryan Witzmann, Jordan Devey and Cam Erving were utilized to either fill in or even start games the last several weeks. Fortunately the Chiefs held tough through the hardest part of the schedule and now they’re beginning to get some of these pieces back together.

Terez Paylor of the Kansas City Star reported on Wednesday that Duvernay-Tardif was a “full participant” in Chiefs practice on Wednesday.

The loss of so many important players along the offensive line has taken a toll on the overall offense in recent weeks. Teams have keyed in well on rookie running back Kareem Hunt and his once-historic production rates have plummeted in the process. If Hunt can’t keep defenses on their toes, the Chiefs offense becomes limited when it runs best as a wide open, anything-goes unit.

If LDT is able to return this week or even next, the Chiefs will be able to keep Fulton out of the starting line-up now that Mitch Morse is also back. Given a bit more time to find that rhythm, the Chiefs could be rounding into fine form as the season nears its end. As for Ehinger, no one is quite sure why Witzmann is still starting at this point. If Ehinger is ready, the Chiefs should give the former starter another chance. Then again maybe he’s just not ready.

In any case, getting LDT back from injury would be a serious boost to the offensive front, considering how well he and Morse were playing at the beginning of the season.