Eric Berry, Mitch Morse return to Kansas City Chiefs practice

After a long and anticipated wait, Kansas City Chiefs star safety Eric Berry finally returns to practice on Wednesday.

Eric Berry has not practiced for the Chiefs since August 11th, after it was reported that the star safety had been dealing with a bone spur that caused him an increasing amount of pain. Now after reportedly making strides all season long toward feeling better, per Andy Reid over the months of the regular season, Berry will officially return to practice on Wednesday.

Berry’s presence is one that has been very anticipated and needed for the struggling Chiefs defense. Unfortunately, despite the fact that he is practicing, it does not necessarily mean that he will play against the Oakland Raiders in Week 13. This might be for the best, as playing on a baseball field—one that is shared between the Oakland Athletics and the Raiders—is not an ideal situation for a player returning from Achilles and ankle injuries. Nonetheless, Berry’s return is imminent and most likely very soon.

Berry isn’t the only big name returning to practice, however. Chiefs starting center Mitch Morse is returning to practice on Wednesday as well. Morse has not practiced in several weeks, but even if it’s in limited participation for Wednesday, it’s relieving to see him practicing. The only player not practicing for the Chiefs today is wide receiver Sammy Watkins. Watkins has been dealing with a foot injury that kept him out of the Chiefs’ game against the Arizona Cardinals, and what may have led to his limited action against the Los Angeles Rams.

While no win is guaranteed, Watkins not playing against the Raiders would not be a huge blow to the offense. He is definitely an unsung hero in that he gets other players open or else he will inflict significant damage himself. However, against a struggling Oakland Raiders defense, the Chiefs should fare just fine without him.

Chiefs head coach Andy Reid also gave a very brief update on the team’s starting right guard, Laurent Duvernay-Tardif. LDT, who is currently on injured reserve, has a chance to return this season according to Reid. According to previous reports, the likely return candidates are either safety Armani Watts or Duvernay-Tardif. The Chiefs already activated safety Daniel Sorensen from injured reserve, and can only activate one more player this season, per NFL regulations.