Chiefs vs. Jets: Dee Ford, Eric Murray miss Wednesday’s practice
By Matt Conner
The Kansas City Chiefs were without two young pieces of their defense on Wednesday in practice as both Eric Murray and Dee Ford sat out.
The Kansas City Chiefs practiced without two of their more prominent defenders on Wednesday as both linebacker Dee Ford and safety Eric Murray sat out. Andy Reid spoke to reporters on Wednesday after practice noting the team’s injuries and commented on both players.
"“The fellas who won’t practice (Wednesday) are [Ukeme] Eligwe—he’s got Achilles inflammation, Dee Ford still with the back, and Eric Murray has a high ankle sprain that he got in the game,” Reid said. “We look forward to the opportunity to playing the Jets. Again, we’ll start our practice out here today and we’re working on getting better.”"
Murray left Sunday’s game against the Buffalo Bills and was questionable at first with some sort of obvious foot injury. Later in the game, the Chiefs declared Murray as officially out, and it’s still uncertain when the safety will be ready to return to the field.
Ford has now missed numerous weeks this year with the lingering back injury and this make-it-or-break-it sort of season has went all wrong for Ford overall. The Chiefs linebacker not only missed Weeks 4 and 5 both but he also hasn’t played since Week 8. Given that he’s scheduled to make more than $8 million this offseason, Ford is likely making it easy for the Chiefs to say “no thanks” to that option—at least in its current form.
Without Murray and Ford, the Chiefs will be forced to continue to give more reps to linebackers like Frank Zombo and Tamba Hali, as he works his way back from injury, and defensive backs like Steven Terrell and Daniel Sorensen. It should be noted that even if Murray can’t make his way back, the Chiefs have plenty of versatile options in the secondary to plug in new spots as well as the signing of Darrelle Revis to figure out.
Ford has 13 tackles and 2 sacks in just six starts so far this year. Murray has 23 Total tackles on the year as well as 4 passes defended.