It’s the start of a new NFL week, and that means players are heading to practice ahead of their Week 2 matchups.
Last week, the Kansas City Chiefs had five names present on their injury report, although the only serious injury was Eric Berry, who was nursing a sore heel. Berry still has not practiced since August 11th, and it seems the woes will continue for the All-Pro safety.
On Wednesday, head coach Andy Reid provided an update on Berry and linebacker Ben Niemann, who injured his hamstring late in the 4th quarter against the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 1. Reid said that Berry was not practicing, but that he is making progress. Niemann did not practice on Wednesday as well as he continues to nurse a hamstring strain.
The term ‘making progress’ sounds good, but it doesn’t necessarily mean he’s heading toward active snaps in Week 2. Berry was listed as doubtful for most of last week, until being officially labeled as out just two hours prior to the game against the Chargers. If he’s able to practice on Thursday, there’s a chance he will be able to play. However, no Thursday practice likely means that he’s going to be out for Week 2 as the Chiefs take on the Pittsburgh Steelers. This would be a huge blow, as we’ve all seen what happens to the secondary when the All-Pro safety Eric Berry is not on the field.
Aside from Niemann and Berry, four additional names were present on the injury report. Kendall Fuller, Justin Hamilton, Reggie Ragland, and Darrel Williams were all present on the report but were full participants in practice today.
As for the Steelers, they weren’t so fortunate. Ben Roethlisberger, Joe Haden, David DeCastro, Tyson Alualu, and Cameron Heyward all did not practice today. The only player on the Steelers injury report that practiced was tight end Vance McDonald, who was a full participant. Roethlisberger not practicing is not a good sign for the Steelers offense. Haden and Heyward would be perhaps the biggest defensive blows to the Steelers defense.
We will be provided with more updates as the injury reports for the coming days surface. As it stands right now, though, it doesn’t look ideal for either team heading into Week 2.