The Kansas City Chiefs practiced on Thursday without pass rusher Dee Ford, while Eric Berry still hasn’t returned to practice despite “improving” reports.
The Kansas City Chiefs practiced on Thursday without a few key members of their defense, including pass rusher Dee Ford as he continues to work his way back from a groin injury.
Ford left Sunday’s win over the San Francisco 49ers with a groin injury that required an MRI on Monday to make sure it wasn’t a serious injury. Andy Reid said the team was optimistic in terms of the severity and said it didn’t seem that he’d be out too long. Perhaps he can even play on Monday.
Also missing practice was linebacker Terrance Smith, who sat out with a shin injury, and safety Eric Berry. The loss of Smith will be something to watch as the team relies upon him for linebacker depth as well as special teams play. Without Smith, the Chiefs could see what Ben Niemann brings to the team. The rookie free agent made the active roster with a surprising preseason.
Berry remains out for the Chiefs despite recent reports saying he should be returning to practice any day now. An earlier report stated he might be ready to play by Week 4, but that timeline was kicked back one week to Week 5 against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Berry hasn’t practiced since August 11.
The Chiefs practiced on Thursday in preparation for a visit to Mile High Stadium in Denver to face the Broncos. The primetime match-up on Monday Night Football should play a major part in the AFC West race as the Chiefs are already one game up over the Broncos just three weeks into the season. A road win for Patrick Mahomes and company could sink Denver quite early in the season.