Will the Chiefs activate Laurent Duvernay-Tardif in time for the postseason?
By Matt Conner
The Kansas City Chiefs could have the opportunity to bring back offensive lineman Laurent Duvernay-Tardif before the postseason begins.
The Kansas City Chiefs offensive line has been a patchwork job for most of the 2018 regular season as the team has dealt with a number of significant injuries to the entire interior. However, the starting line might be coming back together at just the right time when it matters most.
Laurent Duvernay-Tardif has been missing from the Chiefs offensive line since Week 5 after suffering a broken leg. He was placed on the team’s injured reserve list in early October, but the Chiefs reserved the right to bring him back at some point just as they had with safety Daniel Sorensen at midseason.
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Recently, Duvernay-Tardif was seen working out without a walking boot with a personal trainer, a positive sign for the Chiefs as they await the potential to have LDT back in the lineup. Then on Wednesday, it was announced he would return to practice. Andrew Wylie has been starting in his place ever since he became injured and has filled in admirably, but there’s a good reason why the Chiefs signed the young LDT to a lucrative extension in years past.
The Chiefs have struggled to keep their players healthy in the middle for most of the year after getting off to a nice, healthy start through the first month of the season. Cam Erving is still missing at left guard and is hoping to return soon, as Jeff Allen starts in his absence. Mitch Morse also missed several games at center, forcing Austin Reiter to substitute in as the starter when even backup Jordan Devey was also lost for the season.
The Chiefs now have Morse back in the middle and the timing looks right to get Erving back at guard soon enough. If LDT proves to be healthy and the Chiefs are able to lock up a bye in the postseason, the team could have their starting five linemen back in time for the playoffs for the first time since Week 5 of the regular season. That’s a nice boost that gives the Chiefs talent and depth when they need it most.